How can one become a mediator? You can find the answer to this question in the text below - written on the occasion of the International Mediation Day.

Mediation is an effective method of conflict resolution. It is based on conversation, cooperation and the pursuit of agreement. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is voluntary. The goal is to find a solution that satisfies both parties. This method is gaining popularity because it is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than traditional court proceedings. The qualification of a mediator can also be obtained through the IQS.

Mediation is a process that involves two conflicting parties and an impartial mediator. A mediator is a person who helps the parties reach an agreement without imposing any ready-made solutions. His/her role is to facilitate communication, ask questions, and point out possible options, but the decisions are made solely by the disputing parties.

How Does the Mediation Process Work?

The mediation process consists of several stages, and its exact course may vary depending on the case - most often, it follows these steps:

• applying for mediation – both parties must agree to participate in mediation; this can be done voluntarily or at the request of the court, which may recommend mediation as an alternative to a court trial;
• choosing a mediator – the parties jointly select a mediator; it’s important that this person is impartial, has no ties to the conflict, and can help in reaching an agreement.
• mediation meeting – the parties meet in the presence of the mediator, who helps them communicate and explore different solutions; the mediator ensures that the discussion is constructive and that each party has the opportunity to express its position;
• reaching an agreement – if the parties reach an agreement, they document it in a settlement that outlines the terms for resolving the conflict; such an agreement can be approved by a court, giving it legal force;
• concluding mediation – mediation ends when the parties reach an agreement or recognise that they are unable to reach a settlement; in such cases, they may continue the dispute in court.

When Is Mediation Worth Considering?

Mediation is a good option in many situations. Especially when the parties are willing to talk and seek compromise. It is ideal for resolving family conflicts, such as divorce, child support, or custody issues. It also works well in business and workplace disputes where the parties want to resolve the conflict quickly without jeopardising professional relationships. Mediation can also be beneficial in situations where the conflict has been going on for a long time, and traditional methods, such as direct negotiations, have failed.

Mediation is an effective and increasingly popular way to resolve conflicts. Through it, an agreement can be reached that satisfies both parties. The mediator acts as an impartial guide, helping with communication and finding compromise, but the final decisions rest with the participants themselves.

Mediator Qualifications in the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS)

The most recent qualification related to mediation added to the IQS is “Conducting mediation in education.”

“International Mediation Day, celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October, provides an excellent opportunity to review the annual efforts of individuals and institutions that promote mediation within their communities. This has been a successful period for the Podkarpackie Mediation Center (PCM). In November 2023, the Minister of Education and Science included the free-market qualification "Conducting mediation in Education," developed by the association members, into the IQS and eight months later, the Ministry of Education granted the PCM the authority to validate this qualification. This four-year effort began with the signing of a trilateral agreement between the Podkarpackie Education Superintendent, the Educational Research Institute, and the PCM, and ended in complete success. Three Regional Congresses, hosted by the Food and Business Schools in Jarosław, the Primary School in Jaćmierz, and the Primary School in Kamień Prusin, as well as the jubilee 10th Congress of School and Peer Mediators, celebrated students, teachers, mediators, and supporters of mediation from schools in Podkarpacie. During this period, actions were also taken to improve the mediation skills of teachers and students"- says Wieslaw Palka, President of the Podkarpackie Mediation Center, Headmaster of the School Complex No. 1 in Przysietnica.

“The Podkarpackie Education Superintendent, in collaboration with the Podkarpackie Mediation Center , organised the 10th Congress of School and Peer Mediators on September 26 this year in Rzeszów. Nearly 500 people attended. The Congress was honoured with the presence of Minister Barbara Nowacka, representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Centre for Education Development, School Superintendents from all over Poland, as well as students and teachers from 77 schools in the Podkarpackie region. The interest in this event exceeded our expectations. Within two hours of opening registration, all available spots were filled. The number of School Peer Mediator Clubs in Podkarpackie region continues to grow, highlighting the need for teaching conflict resolution skills among students,” emphasises Dorota Nowak-Maluchnik, Podkarpackie Education Superintendent.

To become a mediator, it’s not enough just to want to help resolve conflicts - appropriate qualifications are necessary, such as those that can be validated within the IQS framework. These qualifications include skills such as conducting mediation conversations, knowledge of conflict resolution techniques, and familiarity with legal regulations related to mediation. Essential interpersonal skills, including listening, empathy, and the ability to maintain neutrality, are also required. Obtaining the qualification within the IQS is a confirmation of the mediator's professionalism and ensures high-quality services.

Free-market qualifications listed in the Integrated Qualifications Register not only confirm they are part of the IQS but also offer recognised certificate recognised in the labour market. This is a chance to find an interesting offer from among the many qualifications in various fields. One of them is mediation.

Free-market qualifications confirming knowledge and skills in mediation available in the Integrated Qualifications Register include:

• Conducting court and out-of-court mediation in family cases;
• Conducting court and out-of-court mediation in civil cases;
• Conducting court and out-of-court mediation in commercial cases;
• Conducting mediation in education;
• Conducting mediation in criminal and misdemeanor cases.

For those interested in similar topics, the Register also offers qualifications such as:

• Conducting negotiations;
• Cross-cultural communication and management in a multicultural environment;
• Conflict management in organisations;
• Planning and conducting communication activities in image crisis situations;
• Designing and implementing actions to prevent school violence, exclusion, and peer bullying at the classroom level.

More sought-after qualifications can be found in the Integrated Qualifications Register.

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