Structure for IMI Certified Mediator Competency Scheme announced by Independent Standards Commission

The Independent Standards Commission convened by IMI to draw up a global mediator competency certification standards has announced the structure of the Scheme, coupled to IMI’s proposed Mediation Information Program.

Structure for IMI Certified Mediator Competency Scheme announced by Independent Standards Commission

July 14th 2008, The Hague.

The Independent Standards Commission convened by IMI to draw up a global mediator competency certification standards has announced the structure of the Scheme, coupled to IMI’s proposed Mediation Information Program.

IMI convened the Independent Standards Commission (ISC) in January 2008 by involving international thought-leaders in dispute resolution field drawn from users, mediators, mediation provider institutions, educationalists and adjudicators. The ISC is chaired by Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh, with two Vice-Chairs, leading mediator Judith P. Meyer and Italy-based Michael McIlwrath, of General Electric. For the past six months the ISC has engaged in an extensive consultation process on the proposed Scheme and information program.

The Scheme and the Program envisage a credible, performance-orientated mediator selection capability with Mediators invited to apply for listing. Mediators will be listed based on their ability to meet high-level assessment criteria and standards as implemented by independent Reviewers and Assessors. The Scheme is simple, transparent, scalable and adaptable to different environments and cultures around the world. The Program will add an open online resource of impartial material, data and tools to advance the understanding of mediation and its various forms, to explain the value added by Mediators, and to provide guidance on how to get the most out of mediation.

Michael McIlwrath of General Electric commented: In an era of international growth, businesses need mediation to help reduce and manage the risk of disputes. The goal of the Scheme is to make useful information about skilled mediators more accessible and user-friendly. This should make it easier for parties to propose and organize mediations around the world.

Judith P. Meyer of JP Meyer Associates, a leading international mediator, explained: The IMI Scheme is an essential step in transforming mediation from a cottage industry into a profession. Demanded by the users of mediation, it offers enormous opportunity to mediators, and provides users with access to listed mediators’ training, background, experience and preferred mediation style.

The Independent Standard Commission members have begun work on the detailed standards, criteria and guidelines needed to make the Scheme and the Program operational in January 2009. These will be specified by the Commission and published on the IMI portal between September and November 2008. Meanwhile, the search engine needed to carry IMI Certified Mediator Profiles is being constructed.

Michael Leathes, IMI’s Executive Director summarized: For mediation to grow as a recognized profession, users need transparency, assurance about competency standards, and easy access to impartial, objective guidance in making the right choices. This will significantly help bring more parties to mediation in the right frame of mind. IMI’s Scheme will deliver vital benefits for users and also for quality mediators, providers and trainers as well as judiciaries worldwide.

Scheme structure:
Q&As:
Commission members:

Contact:
Irena Vanenkova
International Mediation Institute
Laan van Meerdervoort 70
2517 AN The Hague
The Netherlands

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