The Civil Mediation Council is pleased to invite members, stakeholders and the public to take part in a consultation on the Code of Professional Practice for Mediators.
The draft Code aims to set out what it means to practise as a regulated mediation professional. It brings together the values, behaviours and responsibilities that underpin fair and effective mediation, and explains the standards the public should be able to expect.
Rather than attempting to prescribe every step a mediator must take, the Code is designed to guide professional judgement. It centres on core principles and high-level professional outcomes (or ‘Elements’) supported by expectations that show how those principles may be demonstrated as a professional.
The language used is intended to convey expectations rather than instructions, allowing room for thoughtful and responsible professional judgement, while still providing a clear point of reference for members, the public and regulatory processes. Further guidance and supporting resources will be introduced alongside the implementation of the Code.
At its heart, the Code emphasises public trust, integrity, fairness and accountability and seeks in a proportionate way to support a forward-looking profession that is responsive to change and committed to high standards.
This consultation is an important part of the process. We therefore encourage all those with an interest in mediation to review the draft and share their views, so that the final Code can truly reflect both the expectations of the public and the experience and insight of the profession.
— Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho, CMC Chair