VOLUNTEERS

• Are you interested in becoming a volunteer mediator?
  
• Would you like to help the community?
  

What qualifications do I need?

You do not need any formal qualifications to apply to become a mediator.

All new mediators attend an accredited training course which will equip you with all the skills and qualities needed to start mediating. From then on you will be assigned to "cases" with a co-mediator (usually an experienced mediator to start with). If you wish, your experiences and knowledge can be used in building up your own portfolio in order to obtain the externally assessed Competent Mediator Status.


What personal qualities do I need?

Listening is an essential skill of a mediator, some people are naturally "good listeners", and for others this can be learned. An ability to remain impartial and not to judge people is also necessary, it is very tempting to take sides in a situation especially if you think someone is in the right, but mediators need to remain neutral at all times, and also keep any information they hear confidential. A friendly personality is an advantage as is an ability to work as part of a team, as Mediators need to be able to communicate well with their co-mediator, clients, and the office.


How much time do I have to give?

The initial training course is for 30 hours spread over 5 weeks (one day per week). There is also a requirement for some weekly written work. After this, mediators usually spend about 2-3 hours a week on cases, although this is often flexible. A support meeting for mediators is held once a month.


What is involved?

Mediators always work in pairs with back up from the Manager and Assistant Manager. In most cases, mediators visit clients their own home to find out what problems they are experiencing. All visits are within the Hastings and Rother boundaries. Access to a car is ideal, although Mediators without a car can still be accepted.

Mediators will then visit the other party or parties to find out the issues from their point of view. Brief notes are taken on each occasion and the office is kept informed of progress. It is then hoped that a meeting will be arranged for all the concerned parties, including the mediators, who will be there to control the process. We hope that any agreement reached by the parties is entered into in a spirit of goodwill as it is something they have worked on together. Mediators will make sure at the meeting that no-one is forced into anything and that what they agree is done so willingly.


Will my expenses be reimbursed?

Yes, all travelling and telephone expenses will be reimbursed at a specified rate. If you have small children, the Service will pay some money towards childcare expenses.

What do I do next if I want to become a mediator?

• You can speak to the Manager or Deputy Manager for an informal chat.
• You can leave your contact details and we can phone when it is convenient for you.
• We can send you further details or an application form in the post.
  

For more information please contact us via the contacts & links page.