Judging criteria

Awards are judged by our independent judges in accordance with the following criteria. Performance will be judged from 28 July 2022 – 22 April 2024 (Award will be “of the Year” as related to the year in which it is awarded, i.e. 2024).

The judges are looking for evidence of exceptional mediation skills and talent, outstanding client care, ongoing initiative in sharing skills and raising standards across the mediation sector more broadly, and the making of a significant contribution to promoting mediation as a key form of dispute resolution.

All supporting evidence should be aligned with the criteria for the Award.

CIVIL/COMMERCIAL MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence as a civil/commercial mediator in disputes of the following nature: construction; property, trusts; TOLATA; inheritance, wills and probate; boundary, professional negligence; intellectual property, competition, EU law, financial services; and/or other areas of civil/commercial law
  • Outstanding at resolving two-party and/or multi-party disputes which are protracted and/or deadlocked
  • Committed to progressing mediation as a key means of resolving disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other
  • Receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from the parties to the mediations in which the mediator has been appointed
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Current Member of the Civil Mediation Council and/or College of Mediators in good standing

Nominate

WORKPLACE MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence in workplace mediation
  • Is outstanding at resolving significantly emotionally tense workplace disputes and/or workplace disputes where relationships have deteriorated to a significant degree
  • Committed to progressing mediation as a key means of resolving disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other
  • Receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from the parties to the mediations in which the mediator has been appointed
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Current Member of the Civil Mediation Council and/or College of Mediators in good standing

Nominate

FAMILY MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence in family mediation
  • Outstanding at resolving numerous emotionally, logistically and financially complex family disputes over the relevant period
  • Committed to progressing family mediation as a key means of resolving family disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other
  • Committed to championing standards in family mediation
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council

Nominate

CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence in child inclusive mediation
  • Committed to progressing child inclusive family mediation/family mediation as a key means of resolving family disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other (please detail)
  • Conscientiously involved in the training of other mediators working within child inclusive mediation.
  • Committed to championing standards in family mediation
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council

Nominate

PPC MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellent in providing PPC support to family mediators
  • Has no less than 3 active consultees
  • Proactive in allowing consultees to observe own mediation practice and supports consultees by co-mediating
  • Involved in the training of other mediators working within PPC and/or family mediation
  • Receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from consultees
  • Committed to championing standards in family mediation
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council

Nominate

COMMUNITY MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence in mediating community disputes
  • Outstanding at resolving many community mediations, for example in the areas of: neighbourhood disputes, including anti-social behaviour, parking or boundary disputes, general communication breakdown, noise nuisance etc
  • Conscientiously involved in the training of other volunteers working in the community mediation space
  • Efficiently served populations that are impecunious through pro bono work or accepting appointment on a reduced fee
  • Committed to progressing mediation as a key means of resolving disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity.
  • Current Member in good standing of the Civil Mediation Council or College of Mediators and/or registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council in good standing

Nominate

SEND MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence in the field of Special Educational Needs and Disability (“SEND”) mediation
  • Outstanding at resolving at least 5 SEND mediations over the relevant period
  • Committed to sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues/the next generation of mediators through mentoring and/or may take mediation observers
  • Trains other mediators to work in the SEND mediation space
  • Committed to improving standards in the SEND mediation space and/or is involved in actively promoting SEND mediation as an effective tool of dispute resolution within the community
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Is on the SEND Register operated by the College of Mediators and Civil Mediation Council in good standing

Nominate

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2024


 

  • Can demonstrate excellence via appointments at more than 50 mediations and/or 50 more than 50 instructions as mediation advocate and/or has made a significant contribution to the field of mediation
  • Made an exceptional contribution throughout their career in advancing mediation as a tool of dispute resolution across society, for example through: training and development; publications in leading journals/publishing books; government liaison; setting up of mediation organisations/panels; and/or similar
  • Contributed to the promotion of mediation within England and Wales and/or more broadly, and has significantly raised governmental and/or public awareness of mediation
  • Believed to have substantially affected the use of mediation through their achievements
  • Made a significant impact in light of either a relatively short or relatively lengthy time in the mediation sector
  • Shown a commitment to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity.
  • Where relevant, current member in good standing of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council

Nominate

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall has demonstrated early-in-career (< less than 3 years) significant achievements in the field of mediation, e.g. by significant repeat appointments as mediator, quality of skills at mediation evidenced by exceptional feedback and/or other exceptional indicators
  • Shown outstanding talent for mediating and a proactive desire to improve by maintaining a high standard of continuing professional development – keeping records reflecting learning
  • Committed to progressing mediation as a key means of resolving disputes across society through one of more of the following: mentoring; taking mediation observers; training/development of other mediators; promoting mediation through journal articles (including online), publication of books; vlogs, blogs, social media posts etc; serving on a committee promoting/advancing mediation; governmental liaison/speaking; keynote addresses; other
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity.
  • Current Member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or registered and accredited Family Mediation in good standing

Nominate

MEDIATION ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Overall can demonstrate excellence as a mediation advocate in any area of law at mediation
  • A barrister, solicitor or other professional representative, representing parties at mediation and has acted in this capacity for at least five years (though not necessarily exclusively)
  • Undertaken at least 10 mediations as mediation advocate over the relevant period, including at least 1 multi-party dispute, though probably many more
  • Receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from the party for which the mediation advocate has been instructed and/or the opposing party (or indeed that party’s lawyers)
  • Can demonstrate receiving particular praise for mediation advocacy skills from at least one mediator at a mediation which settled
  • Involved in actively promoting mediation as an effective tool of dispute resolution
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Shows support for the Civil Mediation Council, Family Mediation Council or College of Mediators by only recommending mediators registered with at least one of these bodies in disputes in which the mediation advocate is acting

Nominate

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARD 2024


 

An individual, institution, company or organisation that:

  • Can demonstrate that diversity and inclusion values are incorporated within their mediation practice
    • Can demonstrate regular promotion and provision of mediation to diverse communities across England and Wales
  • Can demonstrate the impact of, and positive outcome from, an intersectional approach (viewing personal demographics such as age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social mobility, disability and gender in combination instead of in isolation
  • Can demonstrate that initiative or new practice(s) leave a lasting legacy
  • Acts as a role model, sponsor or ally in championing equality
  • Applies evidence and customer insight to tackle issues effectively to improve service user experience
  • Current member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or Family Mediation Council in good standing or where unable to become a member can demonstrate support for one or all of these mediation focussed membership organisations

Nominate

INNOVATION AWARD 2024


 

  • Can demonstrate a good understanding of their clients/customers’ needs
  • Actively engages with their clients/customers to involve them in the design of services and engages in a programme of continuous improvement
  • Seeks out opportunities to be creative and innovative in meeting their customers’ needs
  • Has a quality assurance system in place, which ensures that services are delivered to the highest standards
  • Invests in its employees/volunteers/partners e.g. by providing access to continuing professional development, supervision, coaching or action learning
  • Shares their experiences with others e.g. through events, workshops or round tables
  • Is committed to driving up standards in their area of practice e.g. speaking at events, writing blogs or white papers etc
  • Current member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or Family Mediation Council in good standing or where it is unable to become a member can demonstrate support for one or all of these membership organisations

Nominate

ADR ACADEMIC RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Academic at an established University in England and/or Wales
  • Significantly published in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Through research output and/or teaching has made a significant impact on the continued use of mediation
  • Conscientiously committed to sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues, mediators and/or parliament
  • May have published a student textbook or other book on ADR and/or mediation
  • Actively involved in promoting ADR and in particular mediation as an effective tool of dispute resolution
  • Contributed to at least one journal or other article (including online) related to mediation over the relevant period
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity
  • Current Member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or Family Mediation Council in good standing or shows support for one or more of these membership focussed mediation organisations

Nominate

MEDIATION TRAINER (INDIVIDUAL) AWARD 2024


 

  • Can demonstrate the training of mediators to high standards, ensuring those mediators can meet professional requirements and understand current good practice
  • Can demonstrate an excellent understanding of their clients/customers’ needs
  • Actively engages with their clients/customers to involve them in the design of services and engages in a programme of continuous feedback and improvement
  • Seeks out opportunities to be creative and innovative in meeting their clients/customers’ needs
  • Has an outstanding quality assurance system in place, which ensures that services are delivered to the highest possible standard
  • Invests in its employees/volunteers/partners e.g. by providing access to continuing professional development, supervision, coaching or action learning
  • Shares their experiences with others e.g. through events, workshops or round tables
  • Committed to improving standards in their area of practice e.g. through speaking engagements, blogs, white papers etc
  • Current member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council in good standing

Nominate

MEDIATION TRAINER (ORGANISATION) AWARD 2024


 

  • Can demonstrate the training of mediators to high standards, ensuring those mediators can meet professional requirements and understand current good practice
  • Can demonstrate an excellent understanding of their clients/customers’ needs
  • Actively engages with their clients/customers to involve them in the design of services and engages in a programme of continuous feedback and improvement
  • Seeks out opportunities to be creative and innovative in meeting their clients/customers’ needs
  • Has an outstanding quality assurance system in place, which ensures that services are delivered to the highest possible standard
  • Invests in its employees/volunteers/partners e.g. by providing access to continuing professional development, supervision, coaching or action learning
  • Shares their experiences with others e.g. through events, workshops or round tables
  • Committed to improving standards in their area of practice e.g. through speaking engagements, blogs, white papers etc
  • Current member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or registered and accredited by the Family Mediation Council in good standing

Nominate

MEDIATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Committed to providing excellent mediation services to clients
  • Has a very high success rate > 50% in helping clients resolve issue
  • Can demonstrate a good understanding of their clients/customers’ needs, innovating where necessary to respond to these needs
  • Has a high quality assurance system in place, which ensures that services are delivered to the highest possible standards
  • Invests in new mediators, its employees/volunteers/partners e.g. by providing access to continuing professional development, supervision, coaching or action learning
  • Shares their experiences with others e.g. through events, workshops or roundtables and is committed to improving standards in their area of practice e.g. speaking, blogs, articles, white papers etc
  • Committed to equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity.
  • Organisation or its mediators are current members of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or registered by the Family Mediation Council in good standing

Nominate

PEER MEDIATION SCHEME OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024


 

  • Has demonstrated excellence in mediation projects and has developed innovative approaches in the field of school/young person’s mediation
  • Has shown excellent ability in dealing with conflicts during mediation projects at school
  • Has developed awareness in the school environment about alternative dispute resolution and its benefits
  • Has contributed to promoting mediation at school
  • Current member of the Civil Mediation Council, College of Mediators and/or Family Mediation Council in good standing or where it is unable to become a member shows support for one or all of these mediation focussed membership organisations

    Nominate