Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which an impartial third party – the mediator – helps families to resolve conflicts related to, for example, separation, divorce or intergenerational disputes, in a collaborative way and without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings.
In the UK, family mediation has become increasingly important as an effective alternative to litigation, especially in a context where family courts are overburdened and public policies promote more people-centred solutions. According to data from the UK Ministry of Justice, more than 55,000 family mediation processes were initiated in England and Wales alone in 2023, with a notable 25% increase in successfully resolved cases since 2019.
If you want to become a great mediator, here is the best way to do it.
What does an accredited family mediator do?
The accredited family mediator accompanies the parties involved in a family conflict to find sustainable, equitable agreements that focus on the well-being of all, especially the children. Their task is not to make decisions or give legal advice, but to facilitate dialogue and structure the process so that people can reach their own solutions.
The most common cases that a family mediator deals with include:
- Child custody and visitation (contact arrangements)
- Property sharing and post-separation financial arrangements
- Communication problems between separated parents
- Intergenerational conflicts (e.g. between grandparents and parents)
- Dependent care issues
Key skills for this role include:
- Active listening and empathetic communication
- Emotional management of conflict
- Basic knowledge of UK family law
- Ability to analyse and synthesise proposals
- Professional ethics and neutrality
Qualifications to practise as a family mediator in the UK
In order to legally practice as a family mediator, it is necessary to complete training approved by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the national regulatory body. The first step is to complete a Family Mediation Training Course, which combines theory, simulated practice and assessments.
Once trained, the practitioner enters the supervised practice phase, during which they build their portfolio with at least 10 real cases, under the guidance of a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC). This stage is crucial for applying for official FMC accreditation, which allows, among other things, to sign FM1/FM2 forms required by the courts.
It is important to differentiate between:
- FMC Registered Mediator (FMC Registered): has completed initial training.
- FMC Accredited Mediator (FMC Accredited): has passed the supervised practice and has further professional recognition.
In addition, they are required to participate in at least 20 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) per year and to maintain regular supervision.
Main career opportunities
These are some of the career opportunities you can obtain once you are trained as a mediator and start training as a mediator:
Private practice
Many mediators choose to open their own practice, either alone or in small teams. This allows for greater time flexibility, setting rates independently and building a direct network with families, lawyers and other professionals.
Incomes vary, but private mediators can charge between £100 and £250 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Mediation services in organisations
Another common career option is to work for charities, community centres or organisations such as Relate, National Family Mediation or Resolution. These jobs offer job stability, monthly salaries and the possibility of being part of multidisciplinary teams with social workers, psychologists or legal advisors.
The average annual salary ranges from £27,000 to £40,000, with possible allowances for experience.
Collaboration with law firms
More and more family law firms are integrating mediation into their services. The mediator can work externally (freelance) or be part of the legal team, offering a more cooperative and client-centred approach.
This synergy allows for a comprehensive service and prevents unnecessary legal proceedings.
Training and supervision of new mediators
Experienced mediators can develop a career as trainers or become PPCs (Professional Practice Consultants). This involves accompanying new professionals in their accreditation process, giving workshops or collaborating with training institutions.
Online mediation
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online mediation has established itself as a common alternative. Platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams have made it possible to continue proceedings without physical travel, even in rural areas or areas with limited mobility.
The FMC reports that more than 65% of mediations in 2023 were conducted fully or partially in digital format.
This change requires new skills: handling technological tools, adapting non-verbal communication and managing virtual sessions.
International or intercultural mediation
In an increasingly multicultural UK with binational families, there is a growing demand for mediators who are interculturally sensitive or fluent in more than one language.
These professionals intervene in cases where there are cross-border legal disputes, e.g. child custody with parents of different nationalities or international relocation disputes.
Family mediation in the UK is not only a fundamental tool for resolving conflicts peacefully and efficiently, but also a growing profession with multiple career opportunities: from private practice to institutional work, training or international mediation.
