Do you have a burning question you would like to ask about this course before enrolling?
We offer 45-minute Learn More webinars, during which our experienced course facilitators provide information about this course, address any questions you may have, and assist you to make a decision about applying.

People interested in learning about resolving disputes and conflicts in their workplace or personal life, those who want to start a career as a mediator and those who require an entry pathway into the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.

Start by completing a series of online modules, which will include readings, interactive activities, demonstrations, video presentations and collaborative learning, to provide you with the theory and knowledge required to move on to practical activities.

These online modules should take you three days, or approximately 18 hours, to complete. This will vary based on your learning style.

You’ll then attend four days of practice workshops, involving a range of interactive activities designed to maximise your learning and enable you to develop mediation skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Our highly-experienced trainers will be available during the course to provide additional learning and feedback opportunities.

The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to:

• understand the theory and practice of the mediation process
• assess if a conflict is suitable for mediation
• facilitate the mediation process
• understand how mediation can be applied in a variety of contexts
• respond to specific issues that may arise in the process (for example, family violence)
• assist parties to document mediation agreements.

Online learning

Mediation overview

• ADR models
• Facilitative mediation
• Characteristics of a facilitative mediator
• NMAS standards

Mediator skills

• Communication skills
• Mediation strategies
• Ethics and self-care
• Complexities in mediation

Mediation process

• Process stages
• Pre-mediation
• Mediation formats
• Agreements

Culture and mediation practice

• Attitudes to conflict and conflict resolution
• Expectations and communication differences
• Process decisions

Practice workshops

• Practical activities
• Knowledge and skill consolidation
• Simulated mediations with NMAS accredited coaches

Develop the vocational skills required for mediation, by learning micro and process skills and participating in simulated client mediation sessions.

Assessment activities are online, written and face-to-face (or online via Zoom) throughout the course.

Course outcomes

Gain a statement of attainment for CHCSS00110 Mediation Skill Set.

• CHCMED001 Prepare for Mediation
• CHCMED002 Facilitate Mediation
• CHCMED003 Consolidate and Conclude Mediation

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) proves the CHCSS00110 Mediation Skill Set units specified here as part of our Registered Training Organisation (RTO registration code 21977). Through our RTO, RAV is regulated by ASQA, and maintains its compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015.

Undertake an additional day of simulated client mediation sessions, observed and assessed by NMAS accredited assessors to become eligible for accreditation under the NMAS.

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB).

Astrid Horter is the Program Leader FDR and Mediation Training at RAV. She holds tertiary qualifications in law and psychology and is an experienced mediator, FDRP and child consultant. Astrid coordinates RAV’s Graduate Diploma of FDR, Mediation Training Short Course, and delivers training for RAV and external organisations. Astrid has extensive experience working in community organisations as a clinical supervisor, trainer and manager.

Lilia Szarski is an accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) and experienced trainer, including of our Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). Lilia is also a clinical supervisor and registered psychologist.

John Ravesi is a highly experienced FDRP, mediator, counsellor and coach. He is currently a Trainer/Assessor within the FDR and Mediation Training Program at RAV and delivers a variety of programs to external organisations. He has held multiple senior leadership, supervisory and clinical roles in a variety of community organisations.

Adrien March is an FDRP with a broad base of skills and experience, including mediation practice, training and dispute resolution research. Her practice experience covers mediating using facilitative and transformative models in the FDR and National Mediation Accreditation (NMAS) schemes. Adrien’s specialisations include working with rainbow families and high conflict disputes. Her training expertise includes course development and conducting FDR and NMAS training, coaching and evaluation for RAV and other organisations.

"I really enjoyed the course. It was delivered with a mix of activities/role plays and information. Very clear and in depth."

"All the theory is relevant, and the role playing outcomes are all the things I will be applying to my new career in mediation."

To register your interest, please complete the form below.

Once we receive your enquiry, our training team will contact you to provide confirmation of your enrolment and to organise an interview with a course facilitator.

Recognition enables students to have their existing skills and knowledge relating to mediation acknowledged and status granted where appropriate.

This is available for people with extensive and relevant prior experience in conflict resolution, mediation or facilitation.

To apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL), you will need to provide evidence of the competencies needed for mediation by completing the RPL Application and Assessment Form, which is available from the RAV Training Team.

Please also refer to the RTO Program Manual.

From 1 January 2015, students undertaking nationally accredited training with RAV (i.e. enrolling into VET courses) will need to set up a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and provide this to RAV’s administration team via email. RAV is required to record and verify a USI for each student.

More information and assistance in applying is available from the USI website and via the links below.

• Unique Student Identifier - Students
• Privacy and the Unique Student Identifier
• USI Privacy Policy

RAV approaches learning as a journey undertaken with the student. RAV will undertake appropriate steps to identify the support needs of learners, and work together with the learner to develop options and solutions to support them in the most appropriate way.

RAV is flexible in its approaches to support and will provide the required tools and supports to ensure the learner is supported through their journey to complete the course. This includes support across administration, career planning, financial payment plans, personal development needs including counselling or mediation services, and learner support provided by a diverse team of support staff.