Train as a Civil and Commercial Mediator in 5 Saturdays
Develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence required to mediate civil and commercial disputes effectively and impartially.
This CMC Accredited course is delivered live online over five Saturdays. It combines structured teaching, trainer demonstrations, realistic case studies, practical mediation exercises, role plays, individual feedback and formal assessment.
No previous mediation experience is required.
Five Saturdays | Practical, Professional, Online
Develop the skills and confidence to conduct civil and commercial mediations with impartiality and professionalism.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Provider | Resolvu Academy |
| Course | Civil and Commercial Mediation Foundation Course |
| Accreditation | Civil Mediation Council Accredited Course |
| Dates | 7, 14, 21 and 28 November and 5 December 2026 |
| Duration | Five Saturdays |
| Time | 9.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| Delivery | Live online through Zoom |
| Course Level | Foundation |
| Course Fee | £999 plus VAT, if applicable |
| Assessment | Written and practical assessments |
| Certification | Certificate awarded following successful completion |
| Previous Experience | Not required |
About the Course
The Civil and Commercial Mediation Foundation Course provides a structured introduction to the principles, process and practice of mediation.
Participants progress from understanding the mediator’s role to preparing for and conducting a complete mediation. The course places substantial emphasis on practical participation, enabling learners to practise each stage of the process in a supported environment.
The mediator is trained as an impartial facilitator. A mediator does not act as a judge, impose an outcome or provide legal advice.
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What You Will Learn
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the principles, purpose and structure of civil and commercial mediation.
- Identify the responsibilities and ethical boundaries of the mediator’s role.
- Prepare effectively for a mediation.
- Deliver a clear and professional mediator’s opening.
- Use active listening, questioning, summarising and reframing techniques.
- Help participants identify issues, interests, concerns and priorities.
- Conduct joint discussions and private meetings appropriately.
- Recognise and respond to conflict, strong emotions and power imbalances.
- Support effective negotiation and the development of possible options.
- Use reality testing and other interventions appropriately.
- Manage impasse and challenging behaviour.
- Support participants in recording agreed terms without imposing an outcome.
- Conduct a civil and commercial mediation with impartiality, confidence and professionalism.
Course Structure
Day 1: Foundations of Mediation
The first day introduces the principles and purpose of mediation, the mediator’s role and the structure of the civil and commercial mediation process.
Participants will examine:
1. Mediation and other forms of dispute resolution
2. The characteristics and principles of mediation
3. The role and responsibilities of the mediator
4. Impartiality, independence and confidentiality
5. Preparing for mediation
6. The agreement to mediate
7. The mediator’s opening
8. Establishing an effective mediation environment
9. Practical work includes opening statements, introductory exercises and structured role play.
Day 2: Communication and Negotiation
The second day develops the communication skills required to manage difficult conversations and support effective negotiation.
Participants will examine:
1. Conflict and communication
2. Active listening
3. Effective questioning
4. Summarising and reframing
5. Non verbal communication
6. Positions, interests and needs
7. Negotiation approaches
8. Building rapport and trust
Practical work includes communication exercises, trainer demonstrations and mediation role play.
Day 3: Exploration and Private Meetings
The third day focuses on exploring the dispute, conducting private meetings and responding to challenging dynamics.
Participants will examine:
1. Identifying the issues in dispute
2.Exploring interests, concerns and priorities
3. The purpose and management of private meetings
4. Confidentiality within private meetings
5. Managing emotion and challenging behaviour
6. Power imbalances and effective participation
7. Impartiality and ethical decision making
8. Maintaining progress through the mediation
Participants will conduct structured private meetings and receive feedback on their performance.
Day 4: Options, Negotiation and Settlement
The fourth day develops the skills required to support negotiation and help participants consider possible outcomes.
Participants will examine:
1. Generating and evaluating options
2. Reality testing
3. Managing expectations
4. Responding to impasse
5. Supporting effective negotiation
6. Moving from proposals to agreed terms
7. Recording the outcome of mediation
8. Preparing for the practical assessment
The written assessment is also completed in accordance with the course instructions.
Day 5: Practical Mediation Assessment
The final day is dedicated to practical assessment.
Each participant will undertake an assessed mediation exercise and demonstrate their ability to manage the mediation process, communicate effectively, maintain impartiality and support constructive negotiation.
Assessment is based on the participant’s mediation skills and management of the process. Participants are not assessed on whether the role play results in settlement.
Practical Learning
Mediation is a practical skill. The course therefore combines professional instruction with repeated opportunities to observe, practise and evaluate mediation techniques.
The learning methods include:
- Live teaching and guided discussion
- Trainer demonstrations
- Civil and commercial case studies
- Small group exercises
- Structured mediation role plays
- Individual and group feedback
- Reflective learning
- Written and practical assessment
Participants are expected to take an active role throughout the course.
Who Should Attend?
The course is suitable for anyone seeking professional mediation training or practical dispute resolution skills.
Participants may include:
- Barristers, solicitors and other legal professionals
- Business owners and company directors
- Managers and senior professionals
- Accountants, surveyors and property professionals
- Insurance and financial services professionals
- Consultants and advisers
- Public sector and regulatory professionals
- Existing dispute resolution practitioners
- Graduates and career changers
- Individuals wishing to begin a career in mediation
No legal qualification or previous mediation experience is required.
Assessment and Certification
Participants complete two forms of assessment:
Written Assessment
The written assessment evaluates the participant’s understanding of mediation principles, process, ethics and professional practice.
Practical Assessment
The practical assessment requires the participant to act as mediator in a realistic civil or commercial dispute.
Participants must demonstrate competence in managing the process, communicating with the participants, exploring the dispute, conducting appropriate interventions and supporting negotiation.
A course certificate will be issued to participants who satisfy the attendance requirements, complete all required course activities and achieve the required standard in both assessments.
Successful completion of the course does not by itself guarantee registration as a mediator. Participants wishing to apply for registration should consult the current requirements of the relevant professional body.
Course Trainers
Dr Lal Akhter FCIArb, PhD
Dr Lal Akhter is a barrister, CMC Registered Mediator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. His professional work includes civil and commercial mediation, arbitration, legal practice and dispute resolution training.
He is the Principal Trainer for the course and leads its practical and professional skills development.
Professor Masood Ahmed
Professor Masood Ahmed is an Associate Professor of Law with extensive experience in legal education, civil procedure and dispute resolution.
He contributes academic and practical expertise to the course, supporting participants in developing a clear understanding of mediation principles and professional practice.
Why Train with Resolvu Academy?
CMC Accredited Training
Complete a Civil Mediation Council Accredited foundation course designed to develop the knowledge and practical competence required for civil and commercial mediation.
Strong Practical Focus
Practise mediation skills through exercises, demonstrations and realistic role plays rather than relying solely on classroom teaching.
Experienced Trainers
Learn from professionals with experience in mediation, legal practice, arbitration, dispute resolution and higher education.
Small Group Learning
Develop your skills in a supportive learning environment with opportunities for participation and individual feedback.
Structured Development
Progress logically from the foundations of mediation to conducting a complete assessed mediation.
Live Online Delivery
Attend live and interactive sessions from your chosen location while participating fully in discussions, exercises and role plays.
Attendance Requirements
Participants must:
- Attend every scheduled training day.
- Arrive on time and remain available throughout each session.
- Participate fully in discussions, exercises and role plays.
- Complete the written assessment.
- Complete the practical assessment.
- Comply with the course rules and confidentiality requirements.
Failure to satisfy the attendance or assessment requirements may prevent the award of a course certificate.
Technical Requirements
Participants will need:
- A reliable internet connection
- A desktop or laptop computer
- A working camera
- A clear microphone and speakers or headset
- Access to Zoom
- A quiet and private place from which to participate
- The ability to remain visible and engaged during teaching and practical work
Participants should test their equipment before the first course date.
Course Fee and Booking
The course fee is £999 Plus Vat (if applicable).
The fee includes:
- Five days of live online training
- Digital course materials
- Practical exercises and mediation role plays
- Written and practical assessments
- Individual and group feedback
- Certification following successful completion
Places are limited to maintain meaningful participation and effective trainer feedback.
Questions About the Course?
If you would like to discuss the course, assessment arrangements or reasonable adjustments before booking, contact Resolvu Academy.
Email: info@resolvu.co.uk
Telephone: 0116 298 7339
Start Your Mediation Journey
Gain practical skills in communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
Apply now at resolvu.co.uk.
