The new “Scottish Mediation Register”
www.scottishmediationregister.org.uk is now live and open for people to use. Ewan Malcolm, Director of the Register, provides more information on the project.
The Scottish Mediation Register is a web-based listing of mediators who self certify that they meet minimum standards. These standards cover training, co-mediation and continuing practice development (CPD) as well as having a proper code of practice, complaints handing procedure and appropriate indemnity insurance.
In Scotland, there is a broad common interest in collaborating to set minimum standards for all forms of mediation used in the jurisdiction. During an expensive consultation over two year, it emerged that there is a need to re-assure people both inside and outside the mediation community about the quality of mediators and mediation services. Key mediation organisations in Scotland agreed that a vehicle for assuring quality at this stage would be by setting up a Scottish Mediation Register.
The main aim of the Register is to provide clear information about what each registered mediator has achieved in a standard format which can be compared easily. Every entry requires to be updated by the mediator annually otherwise it will be automatically removed. Someone looking for a mediator can therefore find in one location a list of mediators with current contact details and no extraneous marketing material.
It is intended that existing quality assurance offered by different mediators is recognised and yet higher standards are encouraged. While setting minimum “benchmark” standards, this scheme aims to be simple, practical and sustainable.
The Scottish Mediation Network has accepted a “stewardship role” in this project, to develop the Register and continue to host the collaborative discussions. Subject to funding for this further work from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Mediation Network will continue in this interim role. It is anticipated that the Register will take on an independent existence once it is established.
Any mediators offering services in Scotland may register whether or not they are based here. For more information mediators should check the info on the website