What to Expect on the Global Foundation Mediation Course

Are you a born peacemaker? Is it time for a change? Could you embark upon a meaningful new career path?
Mediation could be the exciting new chapter for you. And what better way to start this journey than with Global Mediation: a company who’s spent the last 25 years supporting people through conflict, and are trusted by leading organisations to deliver consistent and effective mediation with lasting outcomes.
But first, we’re sure you have questions. Let us guide you through the most vital must-knows about our 6-day Foundation Course, to help you decide whether or not it’s the right path for you.

Do I Need Prior Qualifications or Experience?

The simple answer is: no. Many people assume that mediation is a natural progression from the legal profession, but in fact, mediators come from all walks of life. We pride ourselves on the diversity and inclusivity of our course: both our delegates and trainers come from a rich variety of backgrounds and professions, which elevates everyone’s learning experience. Mediation is primarily about human communication and connection – and what better way to learn than from a range of perspectives.

There is no academic nor professional prerequisite to do the Foundation Course. Instead, the main thing we want to ensure is that potential delegates are well-intentioned and well-suited to our cohort, thus maintaining our high standards. At Global, we believe that mediation has a natural alignment to anyone with a deep care for people, with highly attuned emotional intelligence and great listening skills.

Who Would Be Best Suited to the Course?

The list of past career paths which best suit a foray into mediation is expansive, so we like to put them into categories: communicators, creators, healers and educators.

Good communication and emotional intelligence are two of the most imperative skills for a successful mediation. There are many industries which also seek strong communicators, such as law, HR, sales and customer service.

As a creative training company, Global are big advocates for the importance of creative skills in corporate contexts. Mediation is no exception: we have many actors, artists and writers training on our courses. Most creative pursuits require a deep understanding of humanity - and this is a unique offering that creatives can bring to their career in mediation, often alongside their work in the arts.

Next, where would we be without the world’s healers? We would place professionals in a range of industries in this category, from therapists and social workers to coaches and trainers. The incentive to help people goes a long way in a mediation career; this is why people in these types of jobs are often a great fit for one of our courses. Last but certainly not least, we would recommend a career in mediation to educators - from teachers and professors to learning support staff. Not only is there a wealth of opportunity within education and SEND mediation, but the qualities and skills of teachers from all backgrounds are the mirror image of what a successful mediator looks like.

How Do I Prepare for the Course?

We understand that working professionals have busy lives, and we therefore do not request any independent preparation – bar the perusal of our selection of helpful resources.

We send out a film showcasing a ‘mock’ mediation from start to finish, portrayed by our team of professional actors. Historically, trainees have said that it’s particularly useful to have watched this, as they arrive on day 1 having the full lay of the land. We also provide a Global Mediation course handbook for delegates to familiarise themselves with, in addition to a few extra readings to enhance their understanding.

What Does a Day on the Foundation Course Look Like?

Our 6-day course takes place at Molteno House, London. We blend theory and practice throughout the course: from day one, you are up and doing. We have a range of experienced trainers who lead theory-based sessions – for example, teaching delegates about contracting, ground rules and the structure of a mediation – and trainees then go into their break-out groups and role-play what they’ve just learnt. We use fleshed-out, fictitious scenarios, with delegates having multiple opportunities to role-play as mediators, participants and observers.

This practical learning culminates on day 6: we bring in professional actors to play the participants, and each trainee mediator enters the room and runs a full authentic mediation from start to finish, with the actors staying in role throughout.

The course’s content goes beyond simply teaching delegates how to lead a mediation: it will challenge your thinking and way of being. For example, we delve into psychological safety, unconscious bias and the nuance of language. Mediation is more than being impartial: it is a communication craft - and the things you learn, about yourself and each other, will be valuable lessons that you take with you long after the course has finished.

What Happens Next?

The world’s your oyster! As soon as you’ve passed your Foundation Course, you will be able to start practicing as a qualified mediator - and making a true difference.

As a practicing mediator who has successfully completed a recognised Foundation Mediation training course, you would also be eligible to join the College of Mediators as a trained member - as long as you meet the practice, supervision and continuing professional development requirements.

We would advise that you gain experience and network as much as possible. Keep practicing your skills. Find out about shadowing, observation/co-mediation opportunities. Google, LinkedIn and local community mediation providers are a good place to start, and at Global, we are always more than happy to guide you. Once you’ve trained with us, you’re part of the family! We run Professional Practice Days for newly qualified mediators, which many claim is the perfect springboard into the industry. What’s more, if you are interested in specialising in a particular area of mediation, research the requirements of that area and further training that must be undertaken. Often, this can take the form of a short course. For example, if you are interested in becoming a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Mediator, you can enrol on Global’s SEND Mediation Course.

What Did Our 2025 Delegates Have to Say?

Our 2025 course certainly proved popular! Our delegates left the 6 days feeling inspired and invigorated, equipped with a shiny new set of skills that will enable them to make positive change to people’s lives.

Here is just some of their glowing feedback in the aftermath of the course:

“The course has been incredible. I’ve absolutely loved it. Thank you Global, thank you trainers. Your experience and wealth of knowledge have been beyond amazing, and to tap into that has been a truly eye-opening experience.”

“It’s been very enlightening. Mediation has been something I’ve always been interested in. I really enjoyed the role-plays; that’s how I’m really learning, they’ve been very informative for me. I’d recommend it to anybody who wants to go down that line.”

“I have really, really enjoyed the course. I’ve loved that we’ve had lots of different presenters, and they’ve brought so many different experiences, ideas, things to try and different angles to look at.”

“It’s been a great learning experience. Great learning skills, great communication, and learning a lot about myself as well! I’m really, really enjoying it.”

“The course has been so phenomenal - the people here are just lovely! It’s really nice to witness the different theories of mediation by different, amazing, talented mediators. It’s really been engaging, and it’s been really uplifting. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had to date - so thank you, Global Mediation!”

Could this be you? To learn more, or to register your interest for our 2026 course, email georgie@wearegtg.co.uk today.