The Veritas Mediation Academy Foundation Course provides the essential training required to begin your professional mediation career. Delivered by accredited mediators who are also qualified teachers and Professional Practice Consultants, the programme combines rigorous instruction with practical skills development and structured professional support. Completion enables you to begin your FMCA accreditation portfolio and progress towards professional practice.
Small cohort training
Maximum 1:6 tutor-student ratio for more individual feedback.
Practice-based learning
Role plays, real-life cases and supervised exercises to develop real mediation skills.
Professional pathway support
Initial PPC session, portfolio preparation options and guidance after the course.
More value included
VLE access, digital book, safeguarding course, MIAM observation and selected CPD opportunities.
| Key Course Features and Support | VMA |
|---|---|
| Introductory taster course | ✓ |
| FMC approved foundation training | ✓ |
| Accredited also by the Society of Mediators | ✓ |
| Digital Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) | ✓ |
| Teacher to student ratio 1:6 | ✓ |
| Taught by accredited practising mediators who are also qualified teachers and Professional Practice Consultants (PPCs) | ✓ |
| Role-plays based on real-life cases | ✓ |
| Membership to our online mediation forum | ✓ |
| 1-2-1 student support and tutorials | ✓ |
| Initial PPC session included | ✓ |
| Interest free payments available | ✓ |
| Exclusive digital book on family mediation | ✓ |
| Observation of a live Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) | ✓ |
| Additional safeguarding course at no cost | ✓ |
| Access to selected complimentary CPD events during the year | ✓ |
| Portfolio preparation programme available to Veritas graduates only* | ✓ |
| Flexible mediation observation opportunities pre and post-course* | ✓ |
*Not included in the foundation course.
The length of the programme is 8 days teacher led training and independent study on the VLE. Both the online and hybrid courses have the same hours, follow the same FMC-accredited curriculum and lead to the same qualification.
Training is delivered through a blend of tutor-led teaching, practical scenario work, and guided reflection. Learners develop core mediation skills through role play activities, structured exercises, group discussion, and real-world case examples. This approach ensures a steady progression from foundational knowledge to confident application.
The course is organised into clear modules covering:
Each module builds towards the competencies required for future FMCA accreditation.
All live teaching is delivered online or in person, depending on the course you select, in small groups. Sessions take place on Zoom or in person and include discussion, demonstrations, and breakout-room practice. Learners also have access to the Virtual Learning Environment, which hosts resources, recorded materials, templates, and assessment guidance.
Observe a real-life MIAM
Digital book on becoming a family mediator
Access to our mediation forum
Places on our Foundation Course are limited to ensure a small cohort size and a high level of individual support. Early enquiry is recommended to secure availability on your preferred course date.
You may submit an enquiry using the form provided, and a member of our team will contact you to provide full course details, confirm availability, and answer any questions you may have.
If you would prefer to speak directly with a tutor, you are welcome to contact us to arrange an individual consultation.
The course is structured to ensure sufficient depth and practical application to prepare participants for professional practice and progression towards accreditation.
Training is available in:
Both formats provide:
The programme uses a structured and practical learning approach, including:
This methodology ensures participants develop the core competencies required to work
effectively and professionally as mediators.
Course fees are shown inclusive of VAT.
Veritas Mediation Academy offers flexible payment arrangements, including the option to spread the cost through interest-free instalments, subject to eligibility.
Full details of course fees, payment options, and booking terms are available upon enquiry.
We encourage prospective participants to review the booking terms and conditions prior to confirming their place.
Head of Quality & Learning
FMCA accredited mediator and PPC
Qualified teacher with QTLS status
National Mediation Award winner
Stuart is an accredited family mediator (Family Mediation Council) and a civil, commercial, and workplace mediator (Civil Mediation Council). He is also a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC), Legal Aid internal supervisor, and qualified teacher with QTLS status, underpinned by a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
At Veritas Mediation Academy, Stuart leads on quality assurance, curriculum development, and training delivery. He mentors aspiring mediators and oversees the academic standards of the Foundation Training and CPD programmes.
A Fellow of the Society of Mediators and member of both Resolution and the Society for Education and Training, Stuart currently serves on Resolution’s national Legal Aid and Family Mediation Committee. He was previously a family magistrate in Leeds and has held leadership positions with the College of Mediators.
Stuart has twice received a National Mediation Award (2018 and 2024), and in 2024 and 2025 was shortlisted respectively for Resolution’s Innovation Champion and Legal Aid Practitioner of the Year awards. He is also the External Reviewer for the LLM in Digital Dispute Resolution at Leeds Beckett University.
Quality & Learning Manager & Lead Trainer
FMCA, PPC, DET
Lesley is an FMCA-accredited all-issues mediator, Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) and qualified trainer. She delivers foundation training and ongoing CPD, with a focus on reflective practice, client-centred approaches, and mediator confidence. Lesley plays a key role in developing the Academy’s training and assessment materials and brings over 25 years’ experience in research and strategy to the Academy.
Trainer
LLB (Hons), FMCA, PPC
Jan is one of the UK’s most respected family mediators, with over 30 years’ experience and a background as a qualified solicitor. She is an FMCA-accredited mediator, Professional Practice Consultant (PPC), and a two-time winner of the National Mediation Award for Family Mediation. Jan is a director of the Family Mediation Council. She leads accredited training for aspiring mediators and delivers specialist courses in intergenerational, inheritance, and elder mediation. Jan continues to support practitioners across England through her PPC services and ongoing mentoring.
Head of Assessment & Online Safety Coordinator
BA (Hons), FMCA, PGCE
Dawn is a multi-skilled mediator and senior educator with a legal background and extensive assessment expertise. She holds roles with several awarding bodies as an assessor and internal verifier, and serves as a moderator for Civil Mediation Council qualifications. She delivers mediation and education training in the UK and internationally and is an accredited family mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council.
Our Virtual Learning Environment, hosted on 360Learning, gives you a clear and structured way to continue learning between live sessions. All course materials are organised in one place, so you can easily access videos, readings, templates, case studies, quizzes and reflective tasks whenever you need them.
Each unit is designed to help you consolidate what you learn in class, prepare for practical exercises and build confidence step by step. You can track your progress, revisit key resources, complete activities at your own pace and take part in discussion spaces where tutors and peers can offer guidance and support.
Accessible from desktop, tablet and mobile, the VLE creates a flexible and professional study experience that combines the structure of tutor-led training with the convenience of online learning.
Yes. This foundation course is the mandatory first step on the pathway to becoming an FMC Accredited Family Mediator (FMCA). It provides the accredited training you need before beginning your portfolio, observations, and supervised practice.
No prior mediation experience is required. The course is designed for beginners and for professionals transitioning from related fields such as law, counselling, social work, education, or support services. All core concepts and skills are introduced step by step.
Learners typically commit to the live teaching sessions plus an additional few hours each week for reading, reflection, and practice activities. Workload may increase slightly around assessment points, but everything is designed to be manageable for adult learners. It also depends which course you select, such as the intensive course.
Yes. The course is structured with working professionals in mind. Sessions are scheduled at predictable times, and all additional learning can be completed flexibly through the Virtual Learning Environment. Many of our learners balance full-time jobs, family life, and study successfully.
Foundation in Family Mediation
Online Only
Online & Altea, Spain
Weekend Online Only
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