How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- volunteering
- applying directly
- training with a professional association
University
You can do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate award to get some of the skills you need for this job.
Relevant subjects include:
- social work
- law
- counselling
- psychology
- psychotherapy
- education
After university, you can take an accredited training programme, approved by the Family Mediation Council.
Training programmes include:
- a taught course
- practical experience
- support to build a portfolio
Programmes are a mix of in-person and online training.
As well as a higher education qualification, training providers may expect you to have experience of dealing with conflict and relationship management.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Volunteering
Volunteering to work with families can help when you come to apply for training courses. You can volunteer with:
- family support centres
- counselling services
- child contact centres
- community mediation services
Direct Application
You can apply for a job as a trainee family mediator if you have a higher education qualification and relevant experience in an area, such as law, social work or counselling.
When you apply, you'll need to show you have the right personal qualities and skills to be a family mediator.
Other Routes
You may be able to train with a professional association.
Each association sets their own criteria to join but most will expect you to have experience from paid work or volunteering.
Professional associations that offer training include:
More Information
Career tips
Many people become a family mediator as a second career. Employers value life experience and evidence of supporting people with challenging problems.
Many mediators work part time or on a sessional basis. Advertised pay rates may be listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in family mediation from the Family Mediation Council.