Recently, PJW HR Consultancy has been involved with ADR-ODR International, offering up an accredited civil-commercial mediation course in universities.
The latest round of training took place over 5 weeks at 5 UK universities. Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Leeds, Bristol UWE, the BPP University in London and BPP Birmingham.
The course was taken by students from around the world and from within the law faculties at each university. ADR-ODR’s international training team came together from across
Europe to support the delivery to over 300 students.
PJW’s director, Pamela Whitehead was involved directly in leading the training at Manchester Metropolitan University, Bristol UWE and BPP London.
Pam was responsible for leading the course that took students through the journey of meditation. She was supported by an international team that consisted of Sofia Giannopoulou, Gregory Hunt, Migle Zukauskaite and Sharon Crooks.
Course Contents
The course consisted of the principles and practices of mediation and alternative dispute that are transferable skills not only when it comes to a career in law but also in life. Becoming a CMC accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator certainly help students search for pupillage once they have graduated.
The mediation course included the historical concepts of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). As well as how it evolved to become what it is in today’s modern society. Students were also taught the five main principles of mediation including impartiality and neutrality.
Cross-cultural differences were also a topic covered. The importance becoming increasingly prevalent as the world becomes more connected. It is more likely that mediation is going to be required for a wider range of cultures included in civil and commercial disputes. As the world is becoming more culturally diverse it is important for mediators to respect and consider other’s beliefs and values.
At the end of the course, participants had to prove that they understood and could apply the skills of a mediator in any situation. They needed to understand the role of the mediator in internal business settings and during legal disputes.
They should also be capable of taking the role of mediator, facilitating communication between conflicted parties and helping them move from their positions to reach an agreement that each party could live with.
Assesment
Assessment was completed through a recorded role-play mediation session. Here, students would assume the role of mediator in a dispute requiring them to demonstrate the skills required to become an accredited mediator. Written coursework was also produced asking them to view the world of ADR in a broader context and discuss the future of ADR and ODR.
ADR-ODR’s mediation training is internationally renowned. With a collective experience of over 35 years, they have built a community of reputable mediators. They are able to bridge the gap between in-person and online mediation and offer establishments an accredited mediation course.