New Mediators graduate at Mediation Plus



New Mediators receive their certificates

The first new group of mediators to graduate since Mediation Plus – the community mediation service covering Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes – became an Accredited Training Provider with Open College Network, were presented with their certificates this week. The new mediators all completed four days of intensive training and will now partner members of the organisations experienced mediation team as they take on new cases.

Joan Eades, Training Development Manager at Mediation Plus said “We have been delighted with the very high caliber of people looking to train as mediators with us, all of whom bring a wide variety of professional and personal experience to the service. This supports us in being able to deal with the complex and often entrenched issues that are referred to us and allows us to offer a broader range of mediation services across our area.”

The Open College Network is a not-for-profit registered charity, which comprises nine regional networks across England. With over 25 years experience in the education sector, they lead the market in the recognition of achievement through credit-based units and qualifications, delivered to learners from 14 years upwards.

The next accredited course in Developing Mediation Theory and Practice Skills, will run at the Mediation Plus offices in Hailsham in March. The course will cover step-by-step mediation process, how to use different questioning styles, encouraging participation in mediation, confidentiality and impartiality, and ethical and professional standards. The course is open to both those looking to volunteer for the service or anyone interested in acquiring mediation skills in their personal or professional lives.

Anyone interested in training to become a mediator should contact Joan Eades at Mediation Plus on 01323 442781 or email info@mediation-plus.org.uk for an application pack. There will also be an Open Morning on Saturday 11^th February from 10am to 12noon where you can find out more about the course and meet some of the current team of mediators.