Joining the MII
The MII recognises and values the contributions to mediation from people across all areas of society. We wish to actively encourage learning and participation in this important area. As such we are not seeking to impose restrictions on any person who has an interest in learning more about mediation. Anyone with an interest in mediation is welcome to join us as a General Member.
People interested in acquiring further knowledge and skill in relation to mediation are encouraged to participate in a MII approved training course. On successful completion of a training programme which meets the MII requirement for 60 hours of mediation training (with at least 40 hours in tutor-led facilitation) you are invited to apply to become an Associate Member. You will need to send the Registrar your completed application form and a copy of your Certificate from the course. Where you have completed a MII approved training course we actively encourage your ongoing development as a Mediator by waiving your first year's membership fees as an Associate Member.
Where people have participated in a training programme of at least 60 hours duration which is not MII approved, we would still encourage you to apply for Associate Membership. An application should be made to the Registrar which details the equivalent training undertaken and the award or qualification achieved. The MII have a process for assessing such applications.
It is important to note that Associate Members are not accredited to practice as Mediators and their profiles do not appear on our website.
ACCREDITATION AS A CERTIFIED MEMBER
People interested in progressing to Certified Member with the MII will need to have successfully completed an MII approved training course or equivalent course and undertaken assessment of their mediation skills. This assessment may take place in any of the following ways:
- an MII approved role play assessment as part of a mediation training course; or
- an MII approved assessed role play in addition to an approved mediation training course; or
- a minimum of 15 hours co-mediation demonstrating appropriate level of skills in relation to the Certified Member competencies with an accredited MII co-Mediator (compulsory for family route). See Certified Member Evaluation form for sign-off by supervisor.
Where a person has successfully completed an MII approved training course which meets MII assessment standards then all that is required is that you send the Registrar a completed MII application form; a copy of your certificate from the course and the appropriate fee. For quality assurance purposes, the MII may request to view your assessed role play and related documentation.
Where an assessed role play is undertaken separate to a MII approved training course you will need to send the Registrar a completed MII application form; a copy of your certificate from your course; your fee for the assessment and a copy of the role play and assessment.
If you undertake 15 hours of co-mediation then you will need to have that recorded by your co-Mediator and their records submitted along with your application form and certificate from your training course.
Where cases are being submitted these need to be sent in with your application form; your assessment fee and the certificate from your training course.
A Mediator who is a Certified Member of the MII will be issued with an Annual Practising Certificate and required to have appropriate insurance as well as to operate within the Code of Ethics of the MII.
The MII commitment to the continuing professional development of Mediators requires a Certified Member to record participation in learning, training and education activities over a two year period. The MII actively encourages all Certified Members to participate in ongoing education and skills development to progress towards Practitioner Member level. With this in mind, it is important that Certified Members support their practice through participation in Sharing and Learning Groups and they arrange supervision/case consultation.
The MII actively encourages all Certified Members to support the development of mediation in Ireland through participation in the continuous development of MII and engaging in work in Sectors and on Committees.
Certified Members will have their professional profiles available for access through the MII website.
ACCREDITATION AS A PRACTITIONER MEMBER
Progression to Practitioner Member within the MII is encouraged. A person interested in moving to this level will need to decide on which one of the MII sectors they wish to continue their education, training and practice development in. It is possible to become a Practitioner Member in each of the areas over time by following the development route set down for each sector. The important aspect of development from Certified Member to Practitioner Member is the practice of mediation in terms of hours of time in pre-mediation with parties; actual face to face mediation; shuttle mediation; multi-party mediation; and post mediation work such as ensuring clear agreements are in place. Each sector in the MII may have different requirements due to the various issues which may be dealt with through mediation and the range of processes available to enable parties to consider mediation; enter mediation; explore options for resolution of issues; and reach resolution and agreements. Not all mediations will have a written agreement and this is acknowledged in the requirements as set out.
The MII acknowledges the value of additional mediation training for those who have achieved Certified Member status and are working towards Practitioner Member status. MII approved Practitioner training courses (or equivalent) offer an option for development in conjunction with actual practice.
It is an essential requirement that Certified Members working towards Practitioner Member status participate in regular and structured reflection on their professional practice and keep a record of their participation in Sharing and Learning Groups and supervision/case consultation. The MII provide a Log for keeping a record of participation in these essential professional supports.
Where a person is seeking accreditation as a Practitioner Member, they will need to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of the appropriate sector. The specific requirements for each sector are set out in Appendix 1. When applying for accreditation as a Practitioner Member you will need to send all necessary documentation to the Sector Registrar. The Sector Registrar will then arrange to have your application progressed by assessment of written cases or, if preferred, interview by MII assessors. The Sector Registrar will then notify you of the outcome of that assessment.
Where a Mediator has been practising without previous membership of the MII, the person will need to submit documentation on their education and training in relation to mediation as well as providing evidence of practice through assessment of written cases or interview by MII assessors.
A Mediator accredited as a Practitioner Member of MII will be issued with an Annual Practising Certificate and required to have appropriate insurance cover as well as operating within the Code of Ethics of the MII.
The MII commitment to the continuous professional development of Mediators requires a Practitioner Member to record participation 50 hours of learning, training and education over a three year period. The MII actively encourages all Practitioner Members to support the development of mediation in Ireland through participation in the continuous development of MII; engaging in work in Sectors and on Committees; and undertaking roles such as co-mediator, assessor and supervisor/case consultant.
Practitioner Members will have their professional profiles available for access through the MII website
