Training mediators

This chapter explores the development of mediation functions at the British Columbia International Commercial Arbitration Centre and the training programmes associated with these new functions. ¹ Using the brief experience in British Columbia, the literature on skills training, and our instructional design experiences in the Professional Legal Training Course, I will suggest the elements of a sound, competency-based training programme for mediators. ² Mediators, like many others practising professional skills, have strong debates about their role and tactics in dispute resolution. ³ The flow of these debates spills over into training. Some observations about the relationship between the role of mediators and strategies for training will be necessary.