Are you considering becoming a family mediator, but not sure if this path is right for you? Our taster course gives you the chance to find out. A short online introdcutory course for people thinking about taking the foundation course in family mediation.
In this short introduction, you’ll explore what family mediation involves, the role of the mediator, and the core skills that make the process effective. It’s an opportunity for you to experience our teaching approach and learning resources, helping you decide if formal training with Veritas is the right next step.
This course offers a concise introduction to family mediation and an overview of the FMCA pathway.
It is designed for learners who want to understand how mediation works, what mediators do, and whether the accredited career route is right for them.
Complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
This introductory course is self-paced. Most learners complete it within 2–4 hours.
The course uses short videos, readings, and reflective tasks to help you understand the fundamentals of family mediation. It provides a gentle, structured entry point into the field, preparing you for the more comprehensive training ahead.
This introductory programme covers:
All learning takes place online through our Virtual Learning Environment. You can log in at any time and progress through the materials at your own pace. There are no live sessions for this course, making it fully flexible for professionals and students.
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.
This introductory course provides a clear overview of how family mediation works, the role of the mediator, and the professional training route toward FMCA accreditation. It’s designed for anyone exploring a career in family mediation and wanting to understand the field before committing to formal, accredited training.
No previous experience is required. This introductory programme is suitable for complete beginners as well as professionals from related fields such as law, social work, education, and counselling who want to learn more about family mediation.
The course is self-paced and typically takes learners 2–4 hours to complete. You will have 30 days of access to work through the materials whenever it suits your schedule.
The introductory course does not count toward FMCA accreditation, but it is an excellent starting point. It explains the full FMC training pathway and prepares you for the accredited Foundation Course—the mandatory first step toward becoming an FMC Accredited Mediator.
Get details about the FMC-accredited Foundation Course, including syllabus, start dates, and enrolment options.
