CEDR
Mediation Skills Training
(Singapore)

The CEDR Mediator skills training is a five-day programme of comprehensive tuition in effective dispute resolution where participants are trained in the skills for effective mediation of commercial disputes and assessed for CEDR Accreditation, internationally recognised as the standard of excellence.

The course constitutes approximately 42 teaching hours over a period of five days.  This is extremely intensive and a prompt start at 08:30 and a finishing time of 18:00.

Day 1 & 2

By alternating the methods of demonstration and practice we take delegates through the phases of mediation training from the first day of the course.  Skills and process are explored, looked at and tried in practical exercises.  Case studies, based on actual mediations, are used throughout and participants will experience the role of mediator, adviser and mediation party.

Day 3

This is a 'practice day' of shared learning in preparation for the assessed days.  During the day each participant will experience the role of Mediator, Party and their Advisor.  There is a coach with each group in every session, throughout the day providing guidance and input as the role play progresses.  The whole day is devoted to a single detailed case study and participants practise the skills at each stage of mediation.

The training faculty coach small groups of participants through the case study and provide personal feedback to the Mediator of that session.  The mediation sessions are interspersed with group discussions covering the key issues faced by the mediator.  This is done in order to focus on what is going well for the Mediator and what areas are to be developed in preparation of the assessment days.

Day 4 & 5 (assessed days)

Each participant mediates one simulated case on each day.  A faculty member observes each session and assesses performance against a set of competencies.  Individual feedback, group learning and discussion continue alongside this assessment.

The Certificate of Accreditation is awarded to participants who demonstrate the level of competence to achieve the status of CEDR Accredited Mediator.  The Foundation Course in Mediation Skills Certificate is awarded to acknowledge the participation of those who do not achieve accreditation, and an opportunity to be reassessed may be available for some participants.

Participants will need to prepare thoroughly for this demanding programme and a minimum of 16 hours pre-reading should be reserved in advance of the course.  A mediator handbook, case studies and role-plays are dispatched in advance and maximum benefit can only be achieved if all delegates are familiar with these key materials.

CEDR Accredited Mediator status is confirmation that an individual has demonstrated competence in mediation to the assessing faculty members in a training course environment.

Accreditation is based on the assessments of Day 4 & 5.  Participants must also complete a three-part written assignment within two weeks of completing the programme:

• Draft Settlement Agreement - This is based on the case study undertaken on Day 3 of the course, the CEDR Model Settlement Agreement can be used as a skeleton for this assignment.
• Self-assessment - This is in relation to the strengths the delegates bring to mediation and the areas which the delegates feel need to work on.
• Action Plan - This assignment does not form part of the assessment, but by completing this assignment the delegates are able to put their plans into action and also give CEDR the opportunity to support delegates where appropriate.