Mediation training

The DSCV runs mediation training courses throughout the year for members of the community who wish to participate.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is one of the largest employers of mediators in Victoria. DSCV is a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB) within the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) and delivers accredited training and assessment as set out and required by the NMAS Approval Standards. 

The DSCV mediation course provides training that develops an understanding of the principles and ethics of mediation. Communication skills and processes are taught to enable participants to effectively facilitate the mediation process.

Our course offers a dynamic and safe learning environment which meets the varied learning needs of participants. We use a combination of theory, interactive activities, DVDs and group discussions. Every student will participate in 9 standard role play activities in the 6 days of training. This provides a good basis of theory and practice to acquire the skills and knowledge to successfully complete the course. DSCV provides 12 role-plays where participants receive constructive individual coaching and feedback to assist in preparing for the final assessment on day 6. Our high trainer to learner ratio ensures participants have the best opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to enter the mediation profession and effectively mediate a range of disputes.

Mediation training program – Melbourne

Courses are run throughout the year.

Please contact DSCV for further details regarding dates.

The course is delivered over six days from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm over three consecutive weeks, in two-day blocks (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays). This gives participants time to consolidate and practise skills learned.

The training provides opportunities to conduct both co-mediation and sole mediation.

Please view our training terms and conditions here. 

Assessment

Participants need to attend all 6 days and successfully complete the assessment component to be eligible for national accreditation.  For training and assessment under the NMAS participants will be:

• observed in role-plays;
• required to submit written tasks; and 
• required to perform the role of a mediator in a simulated mediation of at least 1.5 hours duration and successfully meet the assessment criteria.

Some learning and assessment tasks need to be completed in the participant’s own time.

After successful completion of the course and assessment requirements, participants will be issued with an NMAS certificate confirming their attendance at approved training and satisfactory completion of assessment.

Pre-requisites

There are no formal pre-requisites. However, a certain degree of English proficiency, literacy and numeracy is assumed. If you have concerns about this (or have other specific needs), please contact the DSCV to discuss this by sending an email marked to the attention of the Training Coordinator at dscv.training@justice.vic.gov.au (External link) or contacting DSCV by telephone on 1300 372 888.

Course Pathways or Careers

The skills and knowledge gained from this course may be applied in a broad range of areas. Skills obtained during the course could lead to a range of careers within government (local, state and federal) or the community sector, in areas such as dispute resolution, courts, family services, housing, social services, human resources, advocacy, law or psychology. This course is now a pre-requisite to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.

The DSCV mediation course exceeds all requirements as listed in section 2.3 of the approval standards of the NMAS (External link). Successful graduates of this course may seek Mediator Accreditation under this system by applying to a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB). 

Mediator Accreditation

DSCV is a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body under the National Mediator Accreditation System, and has the authority to accredit trained and experienced mediators.

For more information about the accreditation system and requirements, visit the Mediator Standards Board website (www.msb.org.au (External link)). The Board’s website also includes information about the history of the Standards and how the National Mediator Accreditation System came into being.

All mediators on the DSCV mediator panel are required to be nationally accredited.

It should not be assumed that upon completing this course that opportunities for employment with the DSCV will be offered.

Cost of mediation training course

The cost is $4,070.00 (GST inclusive)*

How to enrol

If you wish to enrol in the mediation course, click the button below to download a mediation enrolment form. 

Download enrolment form (External link)You must complete the enrolment form and post, fax or email it back to us. If there are no places available in the course for the dates you’ve chosen, we will notify you and advise when the next mediation course will be held.

*price as at February 2019