Date and time: Tuesday 19th November 2019  10.00-13.00

Location: Dublin city (venue to be confirmed)

€60.00 for MII members and €70 for non members, payable in advance to the MII

Facilitator: Karen Erwin

Session qualifies for 3 CPD points for MII members and fulfills the requirement for completion of the MII Code of Ethics and Practice training once every 3 years.

CANCELLED

Session Content:  
This mandatory training on the Code of Ethics and Practice of the MII will be an interactive session on items in the Code of Ethics and Practice highlighting issues such as confidentiality and case management with examples from mediation experiences and, where appropriate, cross referring to the Mediation Act 2017.
The training session will be given by Karen Erwin, past President of the MII.
Those attending are asked to please bring printed copy of Code of Ethics with them on the day available from http://www.themii.ie/code-of-ethics-and-practice

    Introduction to Elder Mediation

Date and time: Nov 5 9.30am to 4.30pm

Location: Avila, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

Organisation/Trainers:    Frances Stephenson and Claire Kearney/Brian O’Neill, Later Life Mediation    www.laterlifemediation.com

Course Content

This course will provide an overview of the specific knowledge, skills and sensitivities required to mediate age-related issues in adult families.

The day will include:

• An overview of the specific knowledge required for Elder Mediation including Dementia, Capacity, Legal issues, Elder Abuse, Bereavement, Grief and Loss and Ageism

• Case Studies which highlight the kinds of decisions elder mediators need to make prior to and during an Elder Mediation

• Learning transfer through skills practice

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain an insight into:

• the specific knowledge and skills required to function as an Elder Mediator 

• the benefits of Elder Mediation to adult families 

• challenges encountered by presenters in their own cases. 

The course will be interactive and will allow time for discussion and questions.

The training hours are recognised by the MII for 7 CPD hours and by the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) for certification purposes.

If there is sufficient interest, further training days to complete EMIN certification requirements will be offered in early 2020.

For more information contact Later Life Mediation by email info@laterlifemediation.com or phone 087 390 2547

Later Life Mediation is a not for profit company specialising in Elder Mediation  and Training. Later Life Mediator mediators are internationally accredited with EMIN and members of the Mediators Institute of Ireland. www.laterlifemediation.com

Booking

Price: MII members: €150.00/Non-MII members: €175.00. Tea/Coffee will be provided at breaks in the morning and afternoon. Lunch is not provided. Facilities are available if participants wish to bring a pack lunch. There are also a number of cafes in the area.

First come, first served based on payment received.  Email info@laterlifemediation.com for a booking form

For more information contact Later Life Mediation by email info@laterlifemediation.com or phone 087 390 2547

Minimum number of participants is 8

Course: CINERGY™ Conflict Management Coaching Workshop
Dates:

Module 1: Thurs/Fri 3rd/4th October, 2019
Module 2: Tues/Wed 8th/9th Oct, 2019
Organisation/Trainer: Consensus Mediation
Venue: Glen Royal Hotel, Maynooth  
Cost: Early Bird rate €1075 until September 20^th, 2019  
€1200 after this date
Booking: All details available on http://www.consensusmediation.ie/conflict-management-coaching-training-cinergy/

contact mary@consensusmediation.ie – 086-8252423 

Conflict Management Coaching Training

Learn How to Shift Emotional Blocks and Help Your Clients Resolve Their Conflicts

You have been asked to sort out an issue between Rita and Brian.
They haven’t been getting along at work for a while.

You meet them for initial one-to-ones to get some background and prepare them to sit down and talk it out.

But they seem a lot more dug-in than you had expected.
They’re not ready to sit together and figure this out in a reasonable way.

Brian is upset, hurt and very angry.

And Rita finds it hard to move away from telling you how awful Brian is.
‘Such a difficult person… I’ve never worked with anyone like this…’

You listen patiently, make murmuring noises. They continue to vent.

Getting them into a room together at this point just isn’t going to work…

How can you help them move out of their negativity?

What would help them dissolve some of the hurt and anger so they could be a bit more ‘rational’ about it all?

Learn A Powerful Coaching Model To Help Your Clients Untangle Their Conflict

in the  4-day CINERGY™ Conflict Management Coaching Programme

In this course you learn a step-by-step proven process, so you can be sure it will have an impact

• This is a 4-day programme in 2 x 2-day modules which teaches you a robust, 7-stage coaching model that you can use right away
• You get one-to-one mentoring as you practice on real-life conflict scenarios
• Coach people to uncover what’s really at stake for them so they have more freedom and peace of mind
• The next course takes place in Maynooth in October 2019
• Module 1: Thurs/Fri 3rd/4th October, 2019
• Module 2: Tues/Wed 8th/9th Oct, 2019

Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention

Change Perspectives, Change Lives

• MA in Mediation and Conflict Intervention (Full and Part/Time)
• Certificate in restorative Practice and Mediation (Part/Time 100 hours over one academic year)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Practice
• Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Intervention
• Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Intervention (Family Support Agency)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Organisational and Workplace Mediation

Details from 01 7086629 or

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/edward-m-kennedy-institute/our-courses

www.maynoothuniversity.ie/edward-m-kennedy-institute

All courses closing July 31^st 2019

Please note that CPD courses are listed for advertising purposes and are not accredited by the MII.

Moving beyond resistance, limiting beliefs and entrenched conflict.

1 day workshop for mediators and coaches

PRESENTED BY B&S COACHING LTD :  BRIAN O’CONNELL

Thu 26th September 2019

Radisson Blu Hotel, Ditchley House, Little Island, Cork.

7 CPD Points

About the workshop

On this workshop you will learn how to use thoughtful probing questions and skilful guidance to help your clients generate new understandings, move beyond impasses, recognise differences and generate appropriate solutions.

Methodology

This is an interactive workshop with practical exercises, examples and group discussion. Places are limited to assist transfer of key learning.

KEY AREAS

• Creating rapport to secure positive outcomes

• Rapport occurs at many different levels and a mediator can use these to facilitate positive movement and change.

• Communicating effectively

• Using persuasive language to generate new understandings.

• Influencing and challenging limiting beliefs to create new possibilities.

•  Very often we all hold certain beliefs as absolute until they are questioned.

• Recognising and addressing conflicting patterns of behaviour to create solutions.

• Very often two people can share the same goal and yet end up in conflict because of opposing preferences of behaviour.

• Agreeing well-formed outcomes to achieve lasting agreements.

• This ensures that the final agreement will meet the needs of all those directly affected by the dispute.

Feedback from previous attendees:

'The workshop fully met my expectations’

‘Enjoyable and refreshing – great topics’

‘ Great mix of participants and I learnt lots from the role plays. Many thanks’

‘I expected to learn about how to communicate and how communication occurs and I did’

‘The handouts were useful and will add to my practice’

'Brian's course content was excellent, so interesting and opened up new possibilities for practice. Also his presentation skills - listening, commenting, explanation, handling of discussion etc. made today altogether an excellent learning experience'

Date : Thursday 26th September 2019 :  9.30am – 4.00pm                         

Costs: €150 per participant, includes registration fee, teas/coffees and course materials.

           Early payment discount to 10th September :  €135

Venue :   Radisson Blu Hotel, Ditchley House, Little Island, Cork.  Free car parking available. 

To request a booking form or for further information please contact Brian O’Connell brianoconnella@gmail.com  mob.0863803610.

Places are limited to ensure transfer of key learning.

(Places are only guaranteed once payment is made)

 Cancellation Policy: Cancellations up to 14 days in advance of the training will entail a 25% administration fee. Cancellations within 14 days of the training are not subject to a refund.

About the Trainer

 Brian O’Connell has wide experience as a Mediation Practitioner, Conflict Management Coach, N.L.P. Master Practitioner, Mind Coach, Trainer, College Lecturer and Facilitator. He has integrated mediation skills with mind coaching techniques to offer an effective and practical approach to help mediators and coaches enhance their professional practice.

The Programme:

The primary aim of this course is to provide participant mediators with essential knowledge and skills to enable them to provide a competent and supportive mediation service to enable separating couples to address issues in dispute. 

Admission Requirements:   

The course is designed for mediators who have completed an MII accredited 60 hour mediator training programme, or equivalent, and wish to practise in this area. 32 hour Family (Separating Couples) training is a mandatory requirement for MII mediators who practise in this area.

Organisation; Arc Mediation, team of 3 trainers

Principal Trainer; Dr Róisín O’Shea, Dip BA (Hns) law, PhD, Mediator

Region; Dublin

Duration; 32 Hours (4 day course)

Price; € 1,500

(price includes training materials, lunch and refreshments)

Dublin;

Dates; 25^th, 26^th July and 1^st, 2^nd August

Venue; Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley, Clondalkin, Dublin

Bookings and enquiries; training@arcmedlaw.com, 051 348336, 087 2184763

Terms;

To book your place a deposit of 20% is required, paid inter-bank or by cheque, payable to Arc Mediation. The training fee balance must be discharged no later than 14 days before the start date. Once full payment has been received your place is secured and you will receive a confirmation email. Full terms and conditions available on application including our Data Protection policy. Preparatory work will be required prior to attending each day of training.

About Arc Mediation

The Arc mediation training team have significant experience in the field of mediation, in public and private sector practise, lecturing at third level or carrying out research in the field, and delivering mediation and mediation skills training.  www.arcmedlaw.com

About Dr O’Shea

Roisin is a Partner in Arc Mediation and an award-winning former Irish Research Council scholar, who was awarded a Ph.D. in 2014 for her doctoral research on Judicial Separation and Divorce in the Circuit Court, Ireland. She is an expert in Family Law, and has significant experience as a mediator completing hundreds of cases since 2009 including family, work place and commercial mediations. She was appointed a Regional Leader in the field of mediation in 2018 by Waterford Chamber of Commerce, is an approved Skillnet trainer delivering courses on mediation skills to managers, she has delivered training on family law and mediation to Bar Councils since 2013, and is a Friarylaw trainer for Civil & Commercial Mediation.

 Day 1    Family Law (8 Hours) Module 1

• Current family law practices and recent case law in the area of family law. Family law

legislation, including Judicial Separation and Divorce and an overview and analysis of the Mediation Act 2017.

• Domestic Violence legislation, including an overview and analysis of new developments  under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
• Child Protection legislation and procedure
• Guardianship and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015
• Separation Agreements, the legal context.

Day 2 Family Mediation Processes (8 Hours) Module 2

• Mediation process and Mediator obligations under the Mediation Act 2017
• The Agreement to Mediate
• Dealing with the Family Home, division of Marital assets, Spousal and Child maintenance, pensions and tax implications.
• Understanding issues of Succession
• Negotiating and drafting agreements; the essential dos and don’ts
• Mediation and the Courts

Day 3

Parenting (4 Hours) Module 3

• Facilitating parents drawing up parenting plans and negotiating future arrangements for their children, in the best interests of the child and based on best practice informed by international research.
• Child-inclusive mediation and hearing the voice of the child

Children protection (4 hours) Module 4

• Children’s wellbeing
• Child protection legislation, Ireland and EU
• Child protection policies and procedures, and how to implement them

Day 4

Domestic Violence & Screening Process (4 hours)

• Screening for domestic violence
• Identifying domestic violence/abuse, mediating safely and protecting clients
• Understanding Domestic Violence legislation in the context of mediation
•  Identifying and dealing with power imbalances

Couple dynamics (4 hours) Module 5

• The psychological dynamics of separation
• The complexity of separating couple dynamics in mediation
• Dealing with anger, frustration, loss in the mediation process
• Positive steps to assist clients deal with the emotional context as they move though the process of mediation

Course Objectives;

1. To provide sufficient legal knowledge, including an over-view of the Mediation Act 2017, to enable participant mediators to understand and navigate the legal context of separating couples.
2. To provide an overview of child-inclusive mediation, to include parenting in the best interests of the child, the legal context, child protection issues and children’s experience of family breakdown.
3. To provide information on family mediation structures and processes
4. To provide insight and knowledge on couple dynamics during the separation process.
5. To provide insight and knowledge on Domestic Violence/Abuse and screening processes

One Day Workshop: Certified Programme of Mediation Training International (MTI) 

Date: 29th May, 2019

Organised by Dee Khuwais

Venue: The Clayton Airport Hotel, Dublin

Cost: €465  (€435 for registrations received before the 15th May

’Most managers (70%) believe they  do not handle disagreements well – 80% of non-managers believe that conflict is handled badly by those above them in the organisation’

Managerial Mediation provides managers with a practical communication tool for resolving conflicts between others. It is a core management competency which enables all managers to intervene with confidence early in conflict, bringing mediation practice into all areas of management. This method was developed by Dan Dana of Mediation Training International now part of the Centre for Conflict Dynamics, Eckerd College, Florida and is used globally.

The Benefits of Managerial Mediation for Managers:

• This model builds on managers’ management skills and requires significantly less training than professional mediation training as it is designed for early intervention in common place workplace conflicts
• It reveals the hidden potential in conflict and enables managers to think more strategically about how to manage difficult situations
• The cost of conflict within companies can be reduced by up to 40%
• Greater work satisfaction, cooperation and innovation which lead to performance improvement and increased productivity
• Individuals are enabled to resolve their own conflicts thereby improving employee engagement and decision making
• Certification of completion by Mediation Training International (MTI)

The Benefits of Managerial Mediation for Mediators

• A deeper appreciation and understanding of workplace conflict leading to great conflict competence
• The development of new skills and knowledge about a different model of mediation in a  management context
• An additional conflict resolution tool for mediators who also manage others, where formal mediation is not required
• It provides a new service offering for your workplace clients (with additional train the trainer certification)

Recognised Credits

7 Continuing Professional Development Points as approved by the Mediators Institute of Ireland

Methodology:

This workshop is highly interactive drawing on video, workbooks, online questionnaires and shared experience in the management of conflict. It involves role plays, reflections and group discussion.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop should be attended by:

• Mediators
• HR Professionals
• Managers
• Trainers

and others involved in dealing with the challenges of workplace conflict.

Your Trainer:

Mary Lou O’Kennedy is a professional mediator and conflict managment specialist. She is a certifed trainer of Managerial Mediation with the Medition Training Institute as well as a certified user and master trainer of the Conflict Dyanamics Profile, with the centre for Conflict Dynamics, Eckerd College, Florida, and the Institute of Workplace Dynamics, Paris. Mary Lou is also certified CINERGY™ conflict management coach and master trainer. She has extensive experience and expertise in working with companies and organisations in the effective management and mediation of conflict. She is a lecturer with the Griffith College Certificate in Mediation (HETAC Level 8) and is a practitioner member of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland.

About MTI:

The Mediation Training Institute (MTI) is part of the Division of Executive and Continuing Education at Eckerd College, Florida. MTI is the foremost provider of training, certification, licensing, and consulting in workplace conflict management and mediation. The institute, offers programmes and products for conflict resolution and mediation, including a variety of mediation certification programmes. Dan Dana was the original founder of MTI, which he endowed to Eckerd College in 2013, when he retired from a career that encompassed psychology, teaching, mediation, corporate training, and business entrepreneurship. He is the author of three books on workplace mediation and several conflict resolution curricula.

COST

The Cost of this Workshop is €465 per participant. (€435 for registrations received before the 15th May

Contact Us

To book your place on this workshop or for more information, contact  Dee Khuwais at: khuwaisdcpd@gmail.com

Workshop Overview

Research shows that effective conflict management skills are crucial for employers, managers and leaders, leading to greater conflict resolution, productivity, performance management, employee engagement and talent retention. The Conflict Dynamics Profile assessments provide an innovative essential tool kit for conflict management professionals working in this field wishing to enhance their clients’ skills and conflict competence.

The Conflict Dynamics Profile (CDP) assessments are powerful tools for building awareness of how we respond to conflict in the workplace, and how we can improve on behaviours that cause us the most difficulty. They provide us with extraordinary clarity about our own conflict triggers or ‘hot buttons’ and the extent to which we use constructive and destructive behaviours when we are in conflict. These user-friendly processes provide accessible and clear data for users, enhancing their self -awareness and emotional intelligence leading to greater conflict competence.

There are three versions of the CDP: the CDP-Individual, the CDP- 360 and the CDP Team. The CDP-I is a ‘self-report’ completed only by the user themselves, the CDP-360 is a full spectrum tool completed by the user but also by their boss, peers and direct reports. The CDP Team is constructed using the aggregated results of the CDP-Individual reports of each team member.

The CDP tools are being used the great effect in mediation and in the training and coaching of employers, managers and leaders, in Ireland and in the UK. The Conflict Dynamics Profile provides clear direction to users on how to become conflict competent thereby achieving positive outcomes to workplace conflict. They must however be administered by certified professionals only, who can interpret and analyse the data effectively, working through to a personal development plan for each user.

This one-day Certification Workshop is designed to train participants in the application and interpretation of the CDP-I and CDP Team assessment tools, leading to Certification.

Further training is available for practitioners wishing to certify in the use of the CDP-360

What Participants Gain

An understanding of the Conflict Dynamics Model, its history, research and key principles

The knowledge and skills required to use the Conflict Dynamics Profile – Individual and the Conflict Dynamics Team assessment tools to a standard which prepares them for Certification

Self-awareness of your own triggers and behaviours during conflict and the importance of constructive responses in the effective management of conflict

The knowledge and processes required to assist others with developmental planning and training to become conflict competent

A practical methodology to link conflict competence with the achievement of organisational and business goals and objectives

What Other Companies Say About Us

‘I have found CDP to be an invaluable tool that brings new depth to the mediation process, enabling participants in situations of conflict to also explore their own internal conflict dynamics. This shift in self-focus can be an invaluable component in conflict resolution, both for the mediator and for the parties in conflict.  Used in a team setting, CDP can potentially bring to the surface new insights into aspects of team or organisational culture that may otherwise have remained unseen. CDP is robust, responsive, adaptable and capable of encompassing diversity, each individual profile reflecting a unique perspective.

CDP is a skill that can be taught, and learned, opening minds and hearts to greater awareness, as well as delivering results that are practical, measurable and visible. In the very capable hands OAK, its potential is magnified as they have the skills to detect, explore and reveal new insights for the user.  This awareness is the key to rebalancing one’s perspective. The experience resembles taking a photograph from the inside-out, and self-adjusting one’s focus to obtain the desired outcome (perhaps one that might previously have proven elusive or beyond reach).  I have found from experience that the blueprint of one’s behaviour, post-CDP, illuminates subsequent action and enables informed choice on the path to change.

Anna Doyle

Certified CDP Consultant

EUROCONTROL, Agency Mediator & Agency Ethics Officer

Standard disclaimer: The views expressed are the author’s own and are not necessarily endorsed by EUROCONTROL or its senior management.

"I found the Workshop to be well structured and comfortably paced. The facilitators are hugely experienced both in terms of usage of  CDP and generally in terms of conflict prevention and management. I left confident that I could and would use CDP in my Mediation practice as it provides valuable insights for those undertaking the self-assessment as it does for those administering it. Two well spent days!"

Loughlin Quinn
Certified CDP Consultant

Construction Contracts Adjudication Service & Civil and Public Service Mediation Service Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation 

The Cost of this programme is €750 per participant.

Contact Us

Dublin Office:
OAK Conflict Dynamics
8 Montpelier Parade 
Monkstown 
Co. Dublin
t: +353 1 524 0451 
m: +353 86 254 8163 
e: info@oakconflictdynamics.ie

London Office:
OAK Conflict Dynamics

1 St. Saviors Wharf

23 Mill Street

London

SE1 2BE

t: +44 203 773 4632

e: info@oakconflictdynamics.ie

Methodology

This workshop will train you in how to use the CDP assessments with individuals and groups in mediation, training and coaching situations, to enhance their conflict competence leading to more effective conflict management and resolution. 

Recognised Credits

7 Continuing Professional Development Points as approved by the Mediators Institute of Ireland

14 Continuing Education Units as approved by the International Coach Federation (1 ICF Core Competencies and 6 Resource Development)

Who Should Attend?

This workshop should be attended by:

• Mediators
• HR Professionals
• Business Consultants
• Business Coaches
• Conflict Management Coaches
• Trainers

and others involved in dealing with the challenges of workplace conflict.

Moving beyond resistance, limiting beliefs and entrenched conflict.

1 day workshop for mediators and coaches

PRESENTED BY MIND COACHING SOLUTIONS :  BRIAN O’CONNELL

About the workshop

On this workshop you will learn how to use thoughtful probing questions and skilful guidance to help your clients generate new understandings, move beyond impasses, recognise differences and generate appropriate solutions.

Methodology

This is an interactive workshop with practical exercises, examples and group discussion. Places are limited to assist transfer of key learning.

KEY AREAS

• Creating rapport to secure positive outcomes

• Rapport occurs at many different levels and a mediator can use these to facilitate positive movement and change.

• Communicating effectively

• Using persuasive language to generate new understandings.

• Influencing and challenging limiting beliefs to create new possibilities.

•  Very often we all hold certain beliefs as absolute until they are questioned.

• Recognising and addressing conflicting patterns of behaviour to create solutions.

• Very often two people can share the same goal and yet end up in conflict because of opposing preferences of behaviour.

• Agreeing well-formed outcomes to achieve lasting agreements.

• This ensures that the final agreement will meet the needs of all those directly affected by the dispute.

Feedback from previous attendees:

'Brian's course content was excellent, so interesting and opened up new possibilities for practice. Also his presentation skills - listening, commenting, explanation, handling of discussion etc. made today altogether an excellent learning experience'

‘The workshop fully met my expectations and the standard of presentation was excellent’

‘Enjoyable and refreshing – great topics’

‘ Great mix of participants and I learnt lots from the role plays. Many thanks’

‘I expected to learn about how to communicate and how communication occurs and I did’

‘The handouts were useful and will add to my practice’

Date : Thursday 4th April 2019 :  9.30am – 4.00pm                         

Costs: €120 per participant, includes registration fee, teas/coffees and course materials.

Venue :   West County Hotel, Chapelizod, Co. Dublin (Close to M50).  Free car parking available. 

To request a booking form or for further information please contact Brian O’Connell brianoconnella@gmail.com  mob.0863803610.

Places are limited to ensure transfer of key learning.

(Places are only guaranteed once payment is made)

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations up to 14 days in advance of the training will entail a 25% administration fee. Cancellations within 14 days of the training are not subject to a refund.

About the Trainer

 Brian O’Connell has over 10 years experience as a Mediation Practitioner, Conflict Management Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Mind Coach, Trainer, College Lecturer and Facilitator. He has integrated mediation skills with mind coaching techniques to offer an effective and practical approach to help mediators and coaches enhance their professional practice.

Date and time: Tuesday 26th February , 9.30am to 4.30pm

Location: Avila, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

Organisation/Trainers: Frances Stephenson and Brian O’Neill, Later Life Mediation    www.laterlifemediation.com

Course Content

This course will provide an overview of the specific knowledge, skills and sensitivities required to mediate age-related issues in adult families.

The day will include:

• An overview of the specific knowledge required for Elder Mediation including Dementia, Capacity, Legal issues, Elder Abuse, Bereavement, Grief and Loss and Ageism

• Case Studies which highlight the kinds of decisions elder mediators need to make prior to and during an Elder Mediation

• Learning transfer through skills practice

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain an insight into:

• the specific knowledge and skills required to function as an Elder Mediator 

• the benefits of Elder Mediation to adult families 

• challenges encountered by presenters in their own cases. 

The course will be interactive and will allow time for discussion and questions.

The training hours are recognised by the MII for 7 CPD hours and by the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) for certification purposes.

For more information contact Later Life Mediation by email info@laterlifemediation.com or phone 087 390 2547

Later Life Mediation is a not for profit company specialising in Elder Mediation  and Training. Later Life Mediator mediators are internationally accredited with EMIN and members of the Mediators Institute of Ireland. www.laterlifemediation.com

Booking

Price: MII members: €150.00/Non-MII members: €175.00. Tea/Coffee will be provided at breaks in the morning and afternoon. Lunch is not provided. Facilities are available if participants wish to bring a pack lunch. There are also a number of cafes in the area.

First come, first served based on payment received.  Email info@laterlifemediation.com for a booking form

For more information contact Later Life Mediation by email info@laterlifemediation.com or phone 087 390 2547

Minimum number of participants is 12