Train as a Civil and Commercial Mediator

Develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence required to mediate civil and commercial disputes effectively, impartially and professionally.

This CMC Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediation Foundation Course is delivered live online over five Saturdays. The course combines structured teaching, trainer demonstrations, realistic case studies, practical exercises, mediation role plays, individual feedback and formal assessment.

No previous mediation experience or legal qualification is required.

Course Information

Dates: Saturdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 November and 5 December 2026
Time: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Duration: Five Saturdays
Delivery: Live online through Zoom
Course level: Foundation
Course fee: £999 plus VAT, if applicable
Assessment: Written and practical assessments
Certification: Certificate awarded following successful completion
Training provider: Resolvu Academy
Accreditation: Civil Mediation Council Accredited Course

What You Will Learn

Through teaching, demonstrations and practical mediation exercises, you will learn how to:

• Understand the principles, purpose and stages of civil and commercial mediation
• Prepare effectively for mediation
• Deliver a professional mediator’s opening
• Apply impartiality, independence, confidentiality and ethical standards
• Use active listening, questioning, summarising and reframing
• Identify the parties’ issues, interests, concerns and priorities
• Conduct joint discussions and private meetings
• Manage difficult conversations, strong emotions and power imbalances
• Support negotiation and the development of possible options
• Use reality testing and other appropriate interventions
• Manage impasse and challenging behaviour
• Help parties record agreed terms without imposing an outcome
• Conduct a complete mediation with confidence and professionalism

The mediator is trained as an impartial facilitator. A mediator does not act as a judge, impose a decision or provide legal advice to the parties.

Practical, Interactive Training

Mediation is a practical skill. The course therefore provides repeated opportunities to observe, practise and develop mediation techniques in a supportive environment.

The course includes:

• Live, trainer-led teaching
• Trainer demonstrations
• Civil and commercial case studies
• Small-group exercises
• Realistic mediation role plays
• Individual and group feedback
• Reflective learning
• Written and practical assessments

Participants are expected to take an active role throughout the course.

Who Should Attend?

The course is suitable for:

• Barristers, solicitors and other legal professionals
• Business owners and company directors
• Managers and senior professionals
• Accountants, surveyors and property professionals
• Insurance and financial services professionals
• Consultants and advisers
• Public sector and regulatory professionals
• Existing dispute resolution practitioners
• Graduates and career changers
• Anyone wishing to begin a career in mediation

No previous mediation experience is required.

Assessment and Certification

Participants complete two forms of assessment.

Written assessment: Evaluates your understanding of mediation principles, process, ethics and professional practice.

Practical assessment: Requires you to act as mediator in a realistic civil or commercial dispute and demonstrate competence in managing the process, communicating with the participants, exploring the issues and supporting effective negotiation.

A course certificate will be awarded to participants who meet the attendance requirements, complete all required course activities and achieve the required standard in both assessments.

Successful completion of the course does not by itself guarantee registration as a mediator. Participants wishing to apply for professional registration should consult the current requirements of the relevant professional body.

Meet the Trainers

Dr Lal Akhter FCIArb, PhD

Dr Lal Akhter is a barrister, CMC Registered Mediator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. His professional work includes civil and commercial mediation, arbitration, legal practice and dispute resolution training.

As Principal Trainer, he leads the course’s practical and professional skills development.

Professor Masood Ahmed

Professor Masood Ahmed is an Associate Professor of Law with extensive experience in legal education, civil procedure and dispute resolution.

He brings academic and practical expertise to the programme, supporting participants in developing a clear understanding of mediation principles, procedure and professional practice.

Why Train with Resolvu Academy?

CMC Accredited Training
Complete a Civil Mediation Council Accredited foundation course designed to develop the knowledge and practical competence required for civil and commercial mediation.

Strong Practical Focus
Develop your skills through demonstrations, exercises and realistic role plays, supported by constructive trainer feedback.

Experienced Trainers
Learn from professionals with experience in mediation, arbitration, legal practice, dispute resolution and higher education.

Small-Group Learning
Train in a supportive environment with meaningful opportunities to participate, practise and receive individual feedback.

Structured Development
Progress from the foundations of mediation to preparing for and conducting a complete assessed mediation.

Live Online Delivery
Attend interactive sessions from your chosen location while participating fully in teaching, discussions, exercises and role plays.

What the Course Fee Includes

The course fee includes:

• Five full days of live online training
• Digital course materials
• Practical mediation exercises
• Realistic role plays
• Written and practical assessments
• Individual and group feedback
• Certification following successful completion

Attendance and Technical Requirements

Participants must attend every scheduled training day, remain available throughout each session and participate fully in discussions, exercises and role plays.

You will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A desktop or laptop computer
• A working camera and microphone
• Access to Zoom
• A quiet and private place from which to participate
• The ability to remain visible and engaged throughout the training

Failure to meet the attendance, participation or assessment requirements may prevent the award of a course certificate.