Family Mediation Foundation Course
FMC-approved training to start your pathway towards becoming an accredited family mediator
- 8 days (40+ hours)
- Online/In-person/Hybrid
- Access to Virtual Learning Environment
8 days of live tutor-led training
Access to VLE, role plays and real mediation scenarios
Online and hybrid options available
Start your FMCA accreditation portfolio after completion
Small cohorts with individual tutor support
Begin your professional pathway towards becoming an accredited family mediator
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.
Your trusted mediation academy
This course is ideal if you are
An aspiring family mediator looking for an FMC-approved starting point
A legal, counselling, social work or family support professional who wants to move into mediation
A law student or graduate who wants to strengthen their CV with practical dispute resolution training
Why choose Veritas Mediation Academy
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.
Mediation course structure and format
Duration
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.
Learning Methodology
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.
Programme Breakdown
The course is organised into clear modules covering:
- The foundations of family mediation
- The role and responsibilities of the mediator
- Domestic abuse screening and safeguarding
- Core mediation skills
- Child arrangements and the Voice of the Child
- Financial mediation and disclosure
- Professional competence and the FMCA pathway
Each module builds towards the competencies required for future FMCA accreditation.
How the course format works
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.
Accreditation & certification
- FMC accredited
- Official certificate of completion
- Recognition across England & Wales
What's included
- Live sessions
- Tutor support
- Assessments
- Role plays
- Virtual Learning Environment
- WhatsApp support groups (if they exist)
Observe a real-life MIAM
Digital book on becoming a family mediator
Access to our mediation forum
Book your place now
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.
40+ hours of tutor-led training delivered over eight days
- Meets the Family Mediation Council (FMC) requirements for foundation training
- Delivered through structured live teaching sessions
- Supported by guided independent learning and skills consolidation
- Designed to provide a progressive development of mediation knowledge and competence
The course is structured to ensure sufficient depth and practical application to prepare participants for professional practice and progression towards accreditation.
Online and hybrid training options
Training is available in:
- Fully online format, delivered through live interactive sessions
- Hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person training sessions
Both formats provide:
- Live tutor-led teaching
- Small cohort size (maximum six participants)
- Interactive discussion and skills practice
- Supervised role-play exercises
Professional, skills-based training grounded in real mediation practice
The programme uses a structured and practical learning approach, including:
- Tutor-led teaching and demonstration
- Supervised role-play exercises based on real mediation scenarios
- Case-based learning and applied exercises
- Group discussion and reflective learning
- Skills development in communication, facilitation, and professional practice
This methodology ensures participants develop the core competencies required to work
effectively and professionally as mediators.
Course fees and payment options
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.
Reviews from our mediation students
Meet the tutors of Veritas Mediation Academy
Stuart M. Hanson
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.
Lesley Dudleston
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.
Jan Coulton
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.
Annabelle Flinn
Trainer
LLB (Hons), PGDL, FMCA
Annabelle is an experienced family mediator, qualified solicitor, and professional trainer with over 20 years’ experience in legal practice. She holds an LLB (Hons) in Law from Aberystwyth University and completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Law before qualifying as a solicitor.
Alongside her legal and mediation work, Annabelle is an experienced trainer who has delivered training for a range of organisations, including the Crown Prosecution Service. She is a qualified trainer and is highly regarded for her ability to explain complex issues in a practical, engaging, and accessible way.
Annabelle is passionate about supporting individuals and families through challenging times. She works closely with community organisations that assist survivors of domestic abuse, vulnerable families, and people experiencing homelessness.
Learn between live sessions with a structured online platform
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.
FAQs about the family mediation foundation course
Is this course required for FMCA?
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.
Do I need previous experience?
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.
What is the weekly workload?
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.
Can I study while working full-time?
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
- 10 September 2026
- 11 September 2026
- 8 October 2026
Online in Spain
- 5 October 2026 – Online
- 6 October 2026 – Online
Weekend Online Only
- 21 February 2026
- 22 February 2026
- 21 March 2026
Request information about the Family Mediation Foundation Course
Complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Get the syllabus, next start dates and enrolment options
- 100% online or hybrid (in person and online), tutor-led
- Accredited training required for FMCA
- For aspiring family mediators
- Small class sizes (6:1)
- Interest free payment plans available
- The essential first step towards accredited status
- Eight days taught classes
- Virtual Learning Environment (40+ hours)
- Delivered by expert, accredited mediators and qualified teachers