Introduction to mediation: I really liked your open and honest approach to training and the fact that you used personal experiences and situations. The training turned out to be perfect timing and also a wonderful team building opportunity; [we] quickly put your training into practice with two mediations and were both on highs after two positive outcomes and receiving very positive feedback. It was very timely and both great and very different experiences which helped to integrate the training I received.
Mediation skills training
Resolve workplace conflict with confidence and credibility
How you approach workplace conflict now
You’re an experienced HR professional or line manager who understands some basic principles of conflict. You’ve mainly focused on formal grievances and have tackled a few disputes, but only managed short-term success.
When you’ve dealt with conflict issues informally, it’s typically gone like this:
- You’re pulled in when tensions are already high, making resolution challenging.
- Senior leaders expect you to know how to manage these situations without giving you the right skills.
- You’re uncertain on the best approach, do what you can, and may end up making things worse not better.
Why?
- You don't know the best way to approach the situation.
- You may not have considered the groundwork needed to explore the core issues.
- You’ve scratched the surface and people felt forced to talk when they weren’t ready.
- Your lack of confidence made the parties feel anxious, not at ease.
- You went in with your own agenda so focused on the wrong things.
By the end, all you’ve done is move the situation from uncomfortable to unbearable, and now you don’t have the skills you need to heal the relationship.
How that makes you feel
Dealing with conflict makes you shudder because it rarely goes well. In fact, you often feel you’ve made things worse.
You start to question whether you’re good at your job. You worry others are assessing your performance against a situation you didn’t have the skills to deal with.
You start to lose sleep. You feel uneasy whenever you see the people involved and avoid further discussions with them.
Sometimes, you ask other people to speak to them on your behalf even when you wanted to be the one to handle it.
Before you know it, your self-confidence is spiralling and other relationships, inside and outside work, start to suffer.
This isn’t where you want to be, and you don’t need to stay there.
Choose your programmeHow you’ll resolve conflict after mediation training
Developing mediation skills will help you:
- Be calm and in control when faced with a challenging situation.
- Understand the true cause of the conflict, not just the external triggers.
- Draw on a range of tools to address different situations.
- Step back from “preferred” outcomes.
- Spot opportunities to collaborate and move forward.
You’ll also recognise when you’re the right person to support a case and when the best option is an independent mediator.
What you can expect from your training
This isn’t just about developing mediation skills; it’s about what it gives you, professionally and personally. Whether you do the introductory or certificate programme, you can feel confident you’ll get:
- Time back as formal grievance cases reduce.
- Relief from the frequent anxiety you’re feeling.
- Recognition for improving relationships of those involved and the people around them.
- Fewer cold sweats when their names appear in your inbox or you pass them on the stairs.
- Quality sleep because you aren’t churning things over in your head.
- A better relationship with your partner now you aren’t offloading every day.
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Choosing the right mediation training for you
Mediation training varies between providers, so it’s important to find the right fit for you. Our programmes work brilliantly for people who:
- want to be trained by tutors who actively mediate workplace conflict situations.
- like small group workshops. Each session has a maximum of 8 attendees, so you get personalised focus and advice.
- respect there are different approaches to mediation. We celebrate them all.
- want the opportunity to practice skills, not just learn the theories. Role plays form a key element of your training.
- are keen to speak with your tutor(s) before starting. It’s the best way to make sure you get the most from your programme, so we speak to everyone.
Introductory mediation skills:
A practical introduction to mediation skills designed to help you feel equipped to deal with low level conflict cases.
This 2-day programme forms the foundation for the certificate in Mediation Theory and Practice and helps you deal with early-stage workplace conflict and communication breakdowns.
It’s a national qualification accredited by OCN London as a Level 3
Award in Understanding Mediation, Ofqual regulated and accredited by the College of Mediators.
This programme is right for you if:
- you deal with occasional conflict situations and want to manage them with confidence.
- you want to learn the skills you need to get to the heart of the issue and support the parties to repair their relationship.
- you’re an HR professional or line manager who recognises the importance of enhanced communication, listening and conflict resolution skills.
- you’re keen to build collaboration and get people working effectively together.
Mediation Theory and Practice Certificate:
Suitable for people looking to qualify as a workplace mediator. You want to:
- Be able to resolve complex conflict situations.
- Add mediation to your skill set either in-house or as an independent HR consultant.
- Change your career and become a full-time mediator.
This 6-day programme builds on the skills from the introductory modules. It is a National Qualification Level 3 in Mediation Theory and Practice and is accredited by OCN London, Ofqual regulated and accredited by the College of Mediators.
During the programme, you’ll:
- cover the complete mediation process, from initial meeting to written agreements.
- learn new skills and models using real-life case studies you’ll remember for years.
- practice in a safe environment, so you come away confident in your abilities as a mediator.
- receive advice and support on how to develop as a workplace mediator.
Individuals who have successfully completed Introductory Mediation Skills will complete days 3-6 only. You don’t need to repeat days 1 and 2.
Check AvailabilityWhat to expect from your tutors
- A conversation before you begin. Once you register, you’ll chat with Sarah or Lizanne to ensure you’re enrolling on the best programme for you before paying your deposit.
- A unique blend of HR, Legal and senior leadership experience. Together, we share a broad knowledge of the impacts of well and badly handled conflict cases.
- We live and breathe conflict. We’ve delivered over 35 programmes and bring hundreds of hours of mediation experience, at all levels of complexity, into the training room.
- The benefit of our practical and real-life case studies to help you learn how to navigate workplace conflict situations effectively.
- Individual feedback from Sarah and Lizanne throughout your programme to help you hone specific skills.
- Training which is engaging and memorable. We’ve endured our fair share of boring training and want to ensure no-one ever provides that feedback about our programmes.
- Support and encouragement after the training. Dealing with conflict can be isolating so you aren’t left to your own devices, we are there with you as you apply your new skills.
Programme locations
Our open enrolment programmes are run in Bath.
We use a central venue near the beautiful Queen Square. It’s easy to access via rail or road and offers a great space where you can step away from your office and focus on developing your skills.
For bespoke company programmes, we can either use the same Bath location or deliver your programme on-site at your offices.
Upcoming dates
Workplace conflict programmes are run multiple times per year. Check availability for the programme which works best for you.
Introductory Programme (2 days)
Find Out MoreMediation Certificate (6 days)
Find Out MoreDelegate feedback
"Introduction to mediation: On behalf of the group, we have all come away from the training finding it really helpful and would highly recommend for any HR professionals or aspiring mediators to undertake. From discussions we’ve had there are a few in the group that would be keen to explore doing the full qualification so watch this space we’ll be coming back to you. 10/10 you were amazing.
Mediation certificate: It was lovely to meet you and I cannot thank you enough for the training you delivered. It has changed my thinking so much and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mediation certificate: I thoroughly enjoyed the course and loved that we had the opportunity to do this at the end of what felt like a very long winter in HR – it was a breath of fresh air! I really look forward (in a positive way!) to having the opportunity to use these new skills in the workplace.
Mediation certificate: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for the excellent course that you provided this week on mediation. I learnt so very much and am very grateful for the patient and wise manner in which you shared your expertise. The practical exercises, combined with your insights, really allowed a depth to the course which was much appreciated.
"As an HR professional, I have engaged a number of external mediators over the years, and I can confidently say that Lizanne stands out for her professionalism, depth of experience, and thoughtful, balanced approach. She brings a calm and highly skilled presence to even the most complex workplace situations. For any manager navigating sensitive or high-stakes conflict, time spent in mediation with Lizanne is a truly valuable investment.
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