While a statement released to MSB members last week included a note from MSB chair Christopher Boyle that this framework “is an indicator only, and not authoritative”, it is an insight into what the evolution of professional mediation will look like once it is finalised.

“This significant update to the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) aims to enhance the quality of mediation services and promote high standards across the country, as well as recognise diversity within the profession,” Mr Boyle said.

The current accreditation framework includes only one tier, but the new framework, outlined in the board’s recent Training and Assessment Summary, outlines a new system that includes three levels of professional accreditation: accredited mediator, advanced mediator, and leading mediator. In addition, there will be a new “specialist practitioner” category of practice, which will enable practice groupings such as conciliators and others to seek to become accredited and recognised under the MSB standards.

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The original tier will continue to serve as the basic level of accreditation for accredited mediators with some adjustments. This means accredited mediators will need to successfully complete a more comprehensive training course and a subsequent independent assessment, based upon a more structured framework.

The training course includes 45 hours of intensive training, with a balance between simulated mediations and practical application of mediation skills and conflict resolution theory. This accreditation level will focus on four core “professional domains”, each subdivided into a number of attributes. These will comprehensively outline the knowledge, skills, ethics and responsibilities required of accredited practitioners. It will also require ongoing professional development, as is the case under the current system.

According to MSB, this base tier will provide formal recognition for those who successfully undertake training and assessment and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and responsibilities to deliver mediation services. It views this accreditation as “essential for any professionals who may practice mediation as part of their role, even if they do not intend to practice primarily as mediators”.

Under the new framework, two new tiers of recognition will be available to accredited mediators. This includes “advanced mediator”, which is open to mediators who maintain their accredited mediator qualification for at least two years and complete a minimum number of hours in practice and ongoing professional development each two-year cycle. Reflective practice is encouraged by a new “practicum requirement” as part of the eligibility requirements for advanced mediator standing. The highest level of accreditation, “leading mediator”, will be available to those with a minimum of six years’ experience and 250 practice hours. Leading mediators will also be required to provide mentoring, coaching, and related services to practitioners to be eligible for leading mediator status.

The new standards also include, for the first time, a separate certificate of training, which is the assessment component of the initial training. It will be an option for those who complete mediation training to choose not to become assessed or accredited. This has been introduced to attract professionals who may participate in mediation, as a party, advocate or support, and will allow them to deeply understand the mediation process and the role of a mediator.

This update to the accreditation system reflects the MSB’s commitment to the continued development and maintenance of a system that supports and ensures best practice and high standards for mediation professionals in Australia, added Mr Boyle.

“As mediation becomes a mature profession, it is important that the accreditation framework evolves to reflect the advanced skills of particular practitioners in the field,” he said.

“In the context of the two new accreditation levels, advanced and leading mediators, we see there is opportunity to recognise the unique skills and specialised forms of mediation such as family dispute resolution, Indigenous peacemaking and workplace conciliation.”

The MSB is set to release further and ongoing information as part of its staged response to the independent review of the NMAS standards and as it consults with its members and the broader dispute-resolution community.