People who train to become family mediators come from a broad range of backgrounds including the law, counselling, therapy and social work.

Family mediation is however a unique profession requiring specific skills for which there are specific training courses. Once trained, consultancy and continuing professional development play a key role in providing high quality family mediators.

The UK College of Family Mediators sets training (as well as practice) standards for family mediators in the UK.

The following organisations are UK College approved training organisations and run family mediation training courses to UK College standards:

Foundation Courses run by organisations approved by the College:

Hertfordshire Family Mediation
1-5 Park Street,
Old Hatfield
Herts AL9 5AT
01707 257400    www.hertsfms.org

Key Mediation
c/o The old Post Office,
Prickwillow,
Near Ely,
Cambs
0135688200    www.keymediation.com

Courses run by other organisations.

ADR Group
Grove House
Grove Road,
Redland
Bristol, BS6 6UN
01179467180  www.adrgroup.co.uk/training

National Family Mediation
7 The Close,
Exeter, EX1 1EZ.  01392271610  www.nfm.org.uk

Resolution
PO Box 302
Orpington,
Kent,
BR6
01689820272  www.resolution.org.uk

Family mediators work in the not-for-profit, independent and legal sectors. Approved training organisations reflect this diversity and choice. These organisations will inform you of their specialisms and intake criteria for training course applicants. They can also often offer guidance on family mediation practice opportunities.

Following successful completion of an approved training course, mediators meeting the specified criteria can apply for UK College membership / associate membership.