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:

(NOTE: 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.