Press Release

27 March 2006

Civil Mediation Council Accreditation

The ADR Group has received formal accreditation from the Civil Mediation Council as an Approved Mediation Provider.

The intention behind the accreditation of providers is the CMC’s belief that the characteristics of a competent mediation provider can be crystallised. Such characteristics engender trust, efficiency and professionalism and reinforce neutrality and confidence.

The characteristics examined were:

• Adequate mediator training
• Code of Conduct
• Supervision and monitoring
• Insurance
• Efficient Administration
• Allocation of Mediators

The CMC accreditation forms part of a two year pilot scheme and enables ADR Group to continue to offer high quality professional mediation services to the National Mediation Helpline, Department of Constitutional Affairs and various Court annexed mediation schemes. ADR Group also offers a broad range of civil, commercial and family foundation and advanced mediator training courses.

The CMC is a neutral and independent body which represents and promotes civil and commercial mediation and other dispute options as alternatives to litigation. The purpose of the CMC is to represent the interests of all mediation providers and mediators in promoting mediation. It aims, in so doing, to improve the understanding of the uses and application of mediation.

For further details of the CMC, please visit www.civilmediation.org/

Ends

About ADR Group

ADR Group is the leading professional alternative dispute resolution company in the UK. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an authority in mediation and other cost-effective dispute resolution and prevention techniques spanning commercial, public-sector and family disputes.

The Group delivers a wide range of dispute resolution training programmes through its training faculty, with all programmes recognised and approved by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council. ADR Group is also recognised as an accredited mediation provider by the Civil Mediation Counsel, the UK’s leading mediation standards organisation.

ADR Group is an organisation supporting initiatives approved by the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Court Service and various Court based mediation schemes around the country. The Group formed part of the European Commission’s ADR working party on the drafting and implementation of the EU ADR Code and Directive. ADR Group operates an International ADR Development Programme and has delivered mediation awareness and Judicial training programmes funded by the British Embassy, the Department for International Development and the World Bank Group.

For further information contact:

 Katie Vander Woerd

 E: Katie.vander-woerd@adrgroup.co.uk

  T: +44 (0) 117 946 7180.