The Role of the CMC Mediation Standards Board
The Role of the CMC Mediation Standards Board in Supporting Public Confidence in Mediation
Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflict and it is also an unregulated activity. This means that, in principle, anyone can present themselves as a mediator, without necessarily having the training, safeguards, or standards required to deliver safe and effective conflict resolution services.
That is why the Civil Mediation Council’s Mediation Standards Board plays such a critical role.
Building on the longstanding work of its predecessor, the Registration and Standards Committee, the Board has worked tirelessly over many years to ensure that CMC mediator members meet robust and appropriate standards. Its aim is clear: to help make mediation a safe, credible, and trusted activity. One in which members of the public can have confidence when they are often navigating challenging and sensitive disputes.
Chaired by Bruce Bourne, with Vice Chair Andy Rogers, the Board brings together a diverse range of mediators and other professionals from across civil, commercial, workplace, community, and SEND mediation, ensuring that standards reflect the breadth and complexity of practice.
The Board is actively engaged in a wide range of important work, including:
• Consulting on a new Code of Professional Conduct
• Drafting AI guidelines for mediation
• Exploring equivalence across training standards
• Development of interpersonal mediation training
• And much more
It also oversees training standards and registers organisations to deliver CMC-accredited mediation training, helping to maintain quality and consistency across the sector. In addition, the Board supports the safe delivery of peer mediation training, recognising the importance of early intervention and equipping individuals with the skills to manage conflict constructively.
Through its work, the Mediation Standards Board continues to strengthen public trust, support practitioners, and uphold high standards across the mediation community.
To find out more about the work of the group, please contact the CMC Secretariat.
