International Mediation Institute convenes an
Independent Standards Commission
January 24, 2008, The Hague. IMI has convened an Independent Standards Commission to determine the international competency standards, criteria and guidelines for Mediators wishing to be IMI Certified.
The IMI Independent Standards Commission will determine the detailed standards, criteria and guidelines needed to establish high-levels of competency as a mediator. The Commission comprises almost 30 international thought leaders in the dispute resolution field drawn from users, mediators, mediation provider institutions, educationalists and adjudicators. The Independent Standards Commission is chaired by Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Professor of Law at The National University of Singapore. The Vice-Chairs of the Commission are Judith P. Meyer of JP Meyer Associates and Michael McIlwrath of General Electric.
The detailed standards are not about creating barriers to entry for either potential mediators or emerging countries and legal systems that wish to develop mediation. On the contrary, progressive international standards will make the mediation profession better accepted, more attractive and increasingly accessible. Specifically, the standards will aim to:
- provide users with reliable data to facilitate their choice of competent mediators
- address the professional interests of mediators and mediation provider institutions in the area of professional competency
- reflect outstanding training, independent assessments, ongoing education and experience in practice
- inspire and encourage the achievement of higher standards throughout the profession
- prioritize self-regulation, transparency, simplicity, adaptability and the minimization of administrative burden and cost.
The draft standards are now open for public comment. The Independent Standards Commission will consider all comments in April 2008.
Commenting on their role as Vice-Chairs of the International Standards Commission, Judith Meyer and Michael McIlwrath explained:
Judith Meyer: We, as mediators, operate pretty much behind a scrim of privacy and confidentiality. It’s inevitable, because mediation generally happens behind closed doors and in confidence. We are as good as our reputations, but it is all word of mouth. As mediation grows, it needs some kind of institutionalization – but without the drawbacks of bureaucracy and complexity. Right now…it is pretty confusing to all but the most sophisticated of users [who] feel that certification would substantially aid their task identifying competent mediators. This is the marketplace speaking. We mediators should listen, then act. That’s why I accepted the invitation to Vice-Chair the Independent Standards Commission.
Michael McIlwrath: Whether dealing in an international context or a purely domestic situation in any given country, an essential part of my job is to know about the different options available in dispute resolution. We would all like to see mediation grow as a global practice and profession. It is one of the few things that really is in everyone’s best interest. I have agreed to Vice-Chair the Independent Standards Commission with Judy because I think the creation and promotion of standards and better access to information can help mediation succeed – better and more quickly - as a global profession.
Full text of an interview with Judith Meyer and Michael McIlwrath