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 that would give you some of the skills needed for this role. Relevant subjects include:
- social work
- law
- counselling
- psychology
- psychotherapy
- education
You'll improve your job prospects if you then take an accredited training programme approved by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). These include:
- a taught foundation course
- a period of practical experience
- support to build a portfolio of evidence
Accredited training providers may expect you to have several years of relevant work experience dealing with conflict and managing interpersonal relationships, as well as your degree.
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
Voluntary experience of working with families will help you to get into training to do 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
Many people move into family mediation as a second career, so life experience and evidence of supporting people through challenging issues is valued.
Further information
You'll find more advice about working in family mediation through the Family Mediation Council.