In 2021 I trained with National Family Mediation to be a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC). This means that I am able to support other mediators in their careers.
When we mediate it is quite a lonely and pressurised role. Many mediators will mediate on their own (not with a co-mediator) and this means that they are managing two people who are experiencing the emotional difficulties associated with a relationship breakdown. This requires a lot of skills, concentration, empathy while retaining our impartiality and moving the couple forward to help them reach an agreement. We can face some very difficult situations to include concerns about the safety of children, emotional clients, controlling clients and …
Every practising family mediator should have a PPC. They should turn to the PPC if they experience a particularly difficult mediation. They should discuss any safeguarding issues which may arise in mediation with their PPC. The PPC should provide support and guidance.
The PPC will also help the mediator with their training requirements. Mediators have to undertake Continuing Practice Development each year. Newly qualified mediators should be working towards becoming Accredited. Accredited mediators reach a nationally recognised standard in their work. It is an complex and time consuming process to become accredited and the PPC will help the mediator with meeting the requirements to become accredited.
Not only is the PPC there to support mediators but they are also there to check that standards are being met and that the mediator is working in an appropriate way. The PPC will work with the mediator on any complaints which they may receive. (I’m pleased to confirm that complaints for mediators are rare).
I was quite nervous about whether I should start training as a PPC and whether I had the experience necessary to support other mediators. I really enjoyed the training though and was pleasantly surprised that when we were given scenarios we may encounter as a PPC, I had experienced similar situations or knew of other mediators who had and found it quite straightforward to consider what was needed from me as a PPC.
I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career as a mediator. If you are a newly trained mediator or are looking to change your PPC then do give me a call to see if I am the right PPC for you.
