How to become a family mediator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- volunteering
- applying directly
- training with a professional association
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate diploma in:
- social work
- law
- counselling
- psychotherapy
- education
You'll need several years' experience in your chosen profession alongside a qualification to move into mediation work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Volunteering
You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working with families to get into this job. This could be in settings like family support centres, counselling services or child contact centres.
Volunteering at a local community mediation service, for instance helping to settle neighbour disputes, can also be useful experience.
Direct Application
You could apply for a job as a trainee family mediator if you have a higher education qualification and experience in an area like:
- law
- social work
- counselling
As part of the selection process, you'll need to show you have the right personal qualities and skills to be a family mediator.
Other Routes
You can do training with a professional association that works in mediation. Training entry requirements vary between them but most will expect you to have relevant experience from paid work or volunteering.
Associations include:
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Career tips
Some family law solicitors and legal executives choose to train and work as mediators although law qualifications are not essential for this job.
Further information
You'll find more advice about working in family mediation through the Family Mediation Council.