To become a mediator is a rewarding career that helps people and organizations resolve conflicts to make agreements that work for all parties. If you have good communication skills, think creatively, and desire to help others, you might enjoy a rewarding career as a mediator. This article considers what makes a great mediator, looks at the various types of mediators, examines what skills are necessary to make a career in mediation successful, and provides some steps you can take to actualize these aspirations.

What Are the Main Types of Mediators?

Mediators can specialize in different areas depending on the nature of the disputes they work with. Below are some of the most prevalent types of mediators.

• Family Mediators: These professionals help families with disputes involving everything from divorce to child custody, child support, division, and property division. Their ability to help families talk to each other and reach agreements that serve the needs of all family members has surely brought numerous families together.
• Commercial Mediators: These mediators typically handle business disputes, such as between business entities (business-to-business), partners, or reorganized business partners (such as following the breakdown of a joint venture). Commercial mediators often must be experienced in dealing with complex legal and financial issues.
• Workplace Mediators: Specializing in employment and workplace issues, these mediators handle conflicts between employees, management, or between an employer and an employee. Workplace mediation can address issues like harassment, discrimination, and disputes over employment contracts.
• Civil and Community Mediators: Mediators who work with disputes connected with disputes between individuals or communities, such as neighborhood disputes, landlord-tenant issues, property needs, and other non-criminal issues.
• School/youth program-based peer mediators: Often composed of sixth- or seventh-grade students, peer mediators are selected and trained to help other students or young people resolve conflicts before they get too intense. This is one specific area of specialization in youth sports dispute resolution.
• Restorative Justice Mediators: Create opportunities for the offender and victim, as well as family members and other individuals impacted by a crime, to communicate with one another in the criminal justice system. Facilitate restorative statements and discussions to increase understanding, encourage accountability, and, in some instances, arrive at an agreement for restitution and/or service to the community.
• ODR (online dispute resolution) Mediators: As the new commercial justice system initiated by the internet evolves, some mediators choose to concentrate on resolving disputes online. This might involve dealing with family disputes, commercial matters, or those in the community, which are likely to occur via video connection and with other apps and software.

A choice of specialization can depend on whether you have trained at law school, from an employment or family background, or have a special interest in or affinity for working with children, for example. It can also depend on where you practice, as this can determine whether your client base will often consist of litigants in person. Some practitioners opt for a two-pronged practice, such as combining community and commercial mediation.

What Does a Mediator Do?

A mediator helps disputing parties develop a form of constructive communication with each other, allowing them to make a voluntary and mutually acceptable settlement. The typical duties of a mediator include the following:

• Arranging Mediation Sessions and Preparation: The mediator will schedule the meeting, explain the process, and ensure that all the participants have the relevant information to attend the mediation. The mediator will prepare by gathering as much information about the dispute as possible, what the issues are, and who will participate.
• Promoting Communication and Discussion: Mediators facilitate open dialogue while helping the parties express themselves and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. They manage the flow of communication to keep conversations on-topic and headed toward resolution.
• Managing feelings and tensions: Controversy usually causes emotional and psychological stress among the parties. The mediator helps manage these feelings and tensions to reduce tension and create a safe space for discussion.
• Interests and Ground for Common: During mediation, parties are assisted in exploring their interests, needs, and priorities, which can often lead to uncovering common ground. The talk can then turn to how things could actually be done and where the multiple interests might be met.
• Drafting agreement and settlement terms: The mediator assists the parties in creating a written agreement of terms and conditions of settlement that is usually, but not always, enforceable.
• Neutrality and impartiality: Unlike judges or arbitrators, mediators make no decisions and take no sides. Instead, they stay neutral, translate the needs of one party for the other, and encourage balanced play.

Mediation seeks to reach an agreement that the parties will stick to. It is often more affordable and less adversarial than litigation.

Average Mediator Salary in the UK

Salaries for a mediator in the UK vary depending on experience, type of mediation, and location. New mediators can expect to earn £20,000-25,000 per year once qualified and experienced, between £30,000 and £50,000 per year. Highly skilled or specialist mediators can easily earn upwards of £60,000.

Freelance mediators or those who run their firms have their own earning structures. They can decide the rates they charge based on the type of mediation they provide and the number of clients they work with. Those who work in specialist areas or in higher-value or more complex commercial cases also tend to earn more.

Mediator Skills

Among the range of interpersonal and professional skills a mediator may need to truly engage in their work productively are:

• Excellent communication skills: Mediators need good verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as active listening, paraphrasing and clarifying points, and the ability to guide discussions in a fruitful way.
• Empathy and EI: A good mediator empathizes with and feels for each party in the situation. EI is useful in dealing with emotions so mediators do not get swept up in negative emotions and become less able to help people de-escalate; it’s also helpful to put yourself in your own hands and become less easily panicked.
• Impartiality/Neutrality: Mediators must remain neutral and not take sides. They are there to support the process and keep it balanced—‘even-handed’.
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills: Foundational mediation skills include the ability to determine whether a dispute is attributable to an economic disagreement or a more emotional conflict, understand the parties’ interests and toeholds for resolution, and assist them in compromising on a solution. The ability to negotiate strongly helps steer parties towards acceptance of a solution even when they have fallen out of agreement.
• Patience and tenacity: Long conversations and some tense interactions are part of the mediation process, and these are the essential personal qualities that help mediators guide parties through difficult conversations.
• Organizational and documentation skills: Mediators must manage the logistics of mediation sessions, keep good records, and draft clear and concise settlement agreements.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Every mediation context is different, and a mediator must adjust their approach depending on the participants of the dispute, the nature of the conflict, and the environment in which mediation is

Mediator Tips

If you are going to go into the field of mediation, here are some tips to help you on your path:

• Understand the theory and practice of dispute resolution: The mediation process is based on a developed theory and practice of conflict and negotiation resolution. Courses or workshops in dispute resolution, negotiation, and communication skills can provide fundamental knowledge.
• Pick a specialization: Are you most interested in family mediation, commercial mediation, workplace mediation, or some other area? Deciding on a specialization determines the certification and training you pursue.
• Cultivate Interpersonal Skills: Mediation is, by its nature, a people-centric activity, so honing your interpersonal skills is vitally important. You can do this by volunteering for a charity shop, seeking internships, or applying for jobs that can help develop your active listening skills, empathy, and additional emotional intelligence.
• Network with Other Mediators and Professionals: Join an association of mediators, such as the College of Mediators or Civil Mediation Council (CMC). Connecting with others is a great way to be inspired, get toolkits, and have good discussions. You can also look for mentors.
• Keep pace with current legal and ethical codes: Mediators aren’t necessarily lawyers, but we need to be aware of the legal dimensions of disputes (for example, confidentiality issues or the relationship to court proceedings and guidelines for responsible professional practice and ethical boundaries).

Get practical experience through volunteering or an internship. Volunteer as a mediator with community organizations, local courts, or family mediation services.

Mediator Requirements

No specified degree or formal qualification is required to become a mediator in the UK. Still, there are certain key steps you can take to increase your chances of becoming one, including:

• Education: While there is no set degree requirement, having a background in areas like law, psychology, social work, or human resources can be helpful. A degree in these fields can provide a foundation in communication, conflict resolution, and understanding human behavior.
• Accredited Mediation Training: To obtain a record as a mediator, you must have completed an accredited mediation training course. These short-term courses teach mediation skills, techniques, and how to conduct mediation sessions. The courses are recognized by the College of Mediators and the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).
• Get accredited: although not a legal requirement for practice, accreditation to a professional body such as the CMC is advisable to show that you are competent, committed to standards of professional practice, and adhere to ethical practice.
• Practical experience: If possible, arrange an internship, volunteer, or job with practice to hone your skills and build your confidence. Practical experience is invaluable in becoming a mediator.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): As part of CPD, you should attend workshops, networking events, or other training programs in mediation to stay current and maintain your competence.

How to Become a Mediator

• Prepare a Good Educational Base: There isn’t any particular degree requirement, but law, social sciences, psychology, or related fields can be helpful in learning about disputes and developing communication skills.
• Attend Complete Accredited Mediation Training: The prerequisite for undertaking accredited mediation training is to have attended a training course that provides the skills needed to run mediation sessions. The most effective training courses will include practical opportunities for you to practice these skills through role-plays with fellow delegates and feedback from experienced mediators on how you can achieve competence in the practical skills associated with conveying messages in mediation. Courses can be from a few days to several weeks in length.
• Gather some experience: Bright-eyed and ready to take on the world, you have graduated from your training. It’s time to do this by volunteering as a mediator at community mediation services, in the family court, or in a workplace setting, and practicing, practicing, practicing.
• Accreditation: Accreditation can be gained from a professional body such as the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) or the College of Mediators. It signifies that you have been assessed to meet appropriate standards of competency, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practice in mediation. This may involve demonstrating completion of a certain number of mediation cases and mediation skills.
• Network and Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of professional mediation organizations, such as the College of Mediators or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). Networking can help you find mentors, build connections in the industry, and stay updated on best practices and job opportunities.
• Start Building Your Mediation Practice or Find Employment: Depending on your specialization, you can either seek employment in law firms, government agencies, NGOs, or corporate HR departments or start your own mediation practice. Marketing your services effectively and building a strong reputation for resolving conflicts professionally will help you grow your client base.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): The mediation landscape is constantly evolving. It is important to continue to learn about the industry by participating in workshops, conferences, and training courses. Stay updated with new mediation tools, laws, and industry standards as a mediator.

Get Qualified as a Mediator

Mastering Anger and Conflict Online Course, Building Bridges with Conflict Resolution, Positive Conflict Resolution: Building Bridges, Conflict Management Strategies Online Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Mediator?

If you have a passion for helping people resolve their differences, enjoy working through complex issues, and want to make a positive impact on people’s lives, mediation is a fulfilling career. It allows you to use your communication skills and empathy to facilitate positive change and reach amicable solutions.

Is Mediation a Good Career Choice for You?

Mediation is a great choice if you have strong interpersonal skills, can remain neutral, and enjoy problem-solving. The field offers flexibility, opportunities to work across different sectors, and the potential to make a tangible difference in resolving disputes effectively.

What Are the Salary Prospects for Mediators?

In the UK, entry-level mediators earn around £20,000 to £25,000 per year, with experienced mediators earning between £30,000 and £50,000. Those specializing in high-value commercial disputes or running their own practice can command £60,000 or more.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career in Mediation?

Completing an accredited mediation training program is essential, with additional degrees in law, social work, psychology, or related fields being beneficial. Pursuing accreditation from professional bodies like the CMC can enhance your credibility.

Do You Need Prior Experience to Start a Career in Mediation?

While no specific experience is required to begin training, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or community mediation programs is crucial. This experience helps build your skills and confidence.

What Is the Career Outlook for Mediators?

The demand for mediators is rising as more individuals and businesses seek alternatives to litigation. Opportunities exist across various sectors, including family law, commercial disputes, workplace conflicts, and community issues.

What Are the Career Progression Options for Mediators?

Mediators can progress to senior roles, become specialists in a particular type of mediation (e.g., commercial or family), or establish their own mediation practice. Some may also choose to train new mediators or consult on conflict resolution for organizations.

What Are the Exit Options and Opportunities Beyond Mediation?

Skills gained in mediation—such as negotiation, communication, and problem-solving—are transferable to roles in law, human resources, counseling, and dispute resolution consultancy. Mediators may also pursue careers in legal practice, business consulting, or organizational development.