This live online CPD event offers mediators the opportunity to observe a realistic family mediation role play centred on arrangements for children during the Christmas period.
The session is structured as professional training through simulation rather than performance. The role play reflects genuine mediation practice, featuring authentic dialogue, clear professional boundaries, and mediator-led interventions that support meaningful learning. An experienced observer will provide commentary via the webinar chat, drawing attention to mediator techniques, decision-making, and key moments for reflection.
The scenario involves Sam and Jayne, who have been married for 15 years and share two children, Jesica (13) and Sebastian (10). The marriage broke down following Jayne’s struggle with alcohol dependency. Recently, Sam removed the children to his parents’ home to shield them from exposure to her drinking. As Christmas approaches, Jayne has come to mediation seeking contact with the children, creating both an emotional and time-sensitive context for decision-making.
Themes explored include Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM), safeguarding considerations where addiction is present, the symbolic and practical importance of religious holidays, and the complex dynamics of parental trust, resentment, and fear.
Attendees will have the opportunity to observe how a mediator:
• Balances safeguarding concerns with the importance of maintaining parental relationships
• Explores the appropriateness of Child Inclusive Mediation
• Manages emotional intensity, grief, and parental conflict
• Keeps the focus firmly on the children’s needs and welfare
• Supports constructive dialogue within a time-pressured holiday context
There will be dedicated time for audience questions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding through guided discussion and professional reflection.
Accredited family mediator conducting a live role play
Two participants representing realistic client scenarios
Observer commentary explaining interventions and choices
Communication breakdown and emotional intensity
Parenting, child arrangements, and children’s voices
New partners, pets, property, and holiday arrangements
Domestic abuse considerations and safeguarding awareness
Confidentiality, fairness, and professional judgement
Guided reflection
Professional discussion
Q&A with mediator and observer
By attending these sessions, participants will be able to:
Observe live family mediation in action
Identify and analyse mediator interventions and techniques
Reflect on complex family dynamics and conflict themes
Develop professional insight through observer commentary
Engage in reflective discussion to support learning and best practice
Live, interactive role play sessions
Delivered by experienced, accredited mediators
Observer-led professional commentary
Reflective discussion and audience participation
Grounded in real-world mediation practice
This CPD programme is suitable for:
Practising family mediators
Trainee mediators
Accredited mediators seeking reflective CPD
Professionals working within family dispute resolution
Accredited family mediator conducting a live role play
Two participants representing realistic client scenarios
Observer commentary explaining interventions and choices
Communication breakdown and emotional intensity
Parenting, child arrangements, and children’s voices
New partners, pets, property, and holiday arrangements
Domestic abuse considerations and safeguarding awareness
Confidentiality, fairness, and professional judgement
Guided reflection
Professional discussion
Q&A with mediator and observer
By attending these sessions, participants will be able to:
Observe live family mediation in action
Identify and analyse mediator interventions and techniques
Reflect on complex family dynamics and conflict themes
Develop professional insight through observer commentary
Engage in reflective discussion to support learning and best practice
Live, interactive role play sessions
Delivered by experienced, accredited mediators
Observer-led professional commentary
Reflective discussion and audience participation
Grounded in real-world mediation practice
This CPD programme is suitable for:
Practising family mediators
Trainee mediators
Accredited mediators seeking reflective CPD
Professionals working within family dispute resolution
By attending these sessions, participants will be able to:
Observe live family mediation in action
Identify and analyse mediator interventions and techniques
Reflect on complex family dynamics and conflict themes
Develop professional insight through observer commentary
Engage in reflective discussion to support learning and best practice
Live, interactive role play sessions
Delivered by experienced, accredited mediators
Observer-led professional commentary
Reflective discussion and audience participation
Grounded in real-world mediation practice
This CPD programme is suitable for:
Practising family mediators
Trainee mediators
Accredited mediators seeking reflective CPD
Professionals working within family dispute resolution
Live role-play format that reflects real mediation practice
Delivered jointly with the Society of Mediators
Led by experienced, accredited family mediators and trainers
Real-time professional commentary and reflective discussion
Designed to support high-quality, recognised CPD learning
