Get Involved in Voluntary Mediation

Originally written by Lynne Conner, updated by the editorial team on 30th March 2026

Volunteer as a mediator and learn the skills of bringing people together to resolve their problems and differences. A mediator doesn't take sides but listens to people and encourages them to put across their point of view. Whether you are dealing with family breakdown or disputes between neighbours you can help people to reach a compromise and to improve their lives by finding a positive way out of a difficult situation. The rewards are high as you will be helping people in your community and you will also learn valuable skills to add to your CV and which can be used in a wide range of careers.

Who can Volunteer?

You will need to be calm, patient, flexible and a good listener. You must be non-judgemental, impartial and able to see both sides of an argument. You must be able to put your ego to one side and put the needs of others first.

Mediators need good communication skills and to get on with all kinds of people. They come from all walks of life and reflect the diversity of their local community. It is helpful to have relevant experience and a background in law, counselling, social work or teaching are all beneficial but not necessary. You must also be able to commit time, which usually amounts to several days a year. Cases are often heard during the day so you must be free then or able to arrange time off with your employer.

Because of the sensitive nature of the role you will undergo a selection process, and if chosen a Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland background check will take place.

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What Groups Need Mediation?

Mediators work with many different types of people within their community. Many mediators work with families going through separation or divorce. There is also a high demand for mediators to work with neighbours in dispute. There are also opportunities to resolve conflicts and reach dispute resolution between members of a community such as landlords and tenants or between people of diverse religions. Another specialised role is in mediating between young people and their families.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What is Involved?

Before you can begin working as a mediator specialised training will be given. This will cover topics such as health and safety, mediation and conflict management, creating trust, confidentiality, presentation skills and equal opportunities. You will also receive training in relevant legislation although mediators do not give clients legal advice.

Your role is to help to resolve differences between both parties and to aim for as positive an outcome as possible. You will usually work in pairs with a co-mediator to reduce the conflict in a situation. Above all you will be seen to be impartial and build a relationship with both parties.

When allocated a case you will initially visit both parties at home. To begin with you will see them separately and take time to identify the problems before moving on to a full meeting. For example with families you may consider such issues as finances, child residency, child contact, property and belongings.

Full meetings are held in a neutral venue and will take place over a period of time working towards a resolution. You will encourage both sides to communicate with each other, suggest possible solutions and help clients to explore all the available options. A key element of your role is to ensure that discussions stay fair and focused, and to reduce tensions and misunderstandings. You are always working towards the best possible outcome for everyone involved. With family disputes you may also spend time listening separately to children.

To help you perform the role you will receive ongoing support. You will liaise with staff and also perhaps with solicitors and courts. You keep detailed casework notes and discuss them with staff. This will also help you to identify when mediation may not be working or be enough and you need to refer a case on. There are also usually regular peer support meetings which you can attend. If you wish it is possible to go on to obtain a qualification in areas such as Family Mediation.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Volunteer Role Matcher lets you identifies suitable volunteer opportunities based on your skills, availability, and interests. Try it now →

64 questions

Ask Community Helpers a Question

CommunityHelpers Editor 19/05/2026 at 9:20 am

@Sam Well done on passing the course. Your best bet is to approach community mediation services directly, as most are crying out for volunteers and will offer co-mediation opportunities once you've shadowed a few sessions. Have a look at the College of Mediators website for a list of accredited schemes near you, or try Mediation Now and Calm Mediation if you're London based. SEEDS and the Civil Mediation Council are also worth a punt.

Sam 09/07/2025 at 5:48 pm

Hi! I've recently passed the Accredited Mediator course with the London School of Mediation. I would love to shadow some mediations or volunteer if possible. Thanks!

Ian B 08/05/2024 at 7:23 pm

Hi. I'm q newly qualified mediator who would love to get some experience as a volunteer. I'm on the Isle of Wight. Could you send me some information please.

Laura 02/05/2024 at 12:14 am

Hi.
I'm q newly qualified mediator who would love to get some experience as a volunteer. I'm in London. Could you send me some information please?

Hayley 03/01/2024 at 1:38 pm

I have just qualified as a mediator and am looking for somewhere I can observe some mediation locally and volunteer as a mediator. Would need to be in Lincolnshire. Do you know of anywhere ?
Thank you

Loulou30 03/05/2022 at 6:45 pm

I have recently passed the mediation exam with London School of Mediation. I am looking to shadow a mediator for 3 sessions and then looking to volunteer to gain some experience but also to continue volunteering in future along with some invoiced mediation where possible. Thank you for your help. Louise

HW 31/05/2021 at 7:02 pm

Hi, I've recently qualified as an evaluative mediator with the RICS and am currently looking for opportunities to gain experience as mediator, co-mediator or observer. I'm based near Reading but happy to travel anywhere in the UK

Nel 15/03/2021 at 3:33 pm

Hi,

I recently qualified as a mediator and I am looking for opportunities to practice and develop those skills in order to build up my portofolio. I am based in Manchester and my background is with NHS as a Clinical Pharmacist with extensive consultation and shared decision-making skills that are transferable into the conflict situation. Please advise how I can join your team and volunteer my services.

Claudette 09/03/2021 at 5:55 pm

I would like to volunteer as a mediator in London. Do you have a list of communities that I can contact.

Z 15/12/2020 at 8:33 pm

Hi, I would like to sign up for a volunteer mediator in London. How do I apply?

Kirsty 22/04/2020 at 10:56 pm

I am interested in volunteering as a mediator in north or west Yorkshire.

Could you give me details of how to go about this. Obviously, difficult now but post pandemic.

Snouckie 03/07/2019 at 3:10 pm

I’m interested in voluntary mediation in London. How do I get more information?
Aarnout

Balla 29/01/2019 at 3:42 pm

I have a law degree, and am looking to get involved in mediation. Can I please get ome infromation as to how to become a volunteer mediator? Thank you!

Rosie 04/09/2018 at 11:22 pm

I am interested in volunteering, for your organisation.

Kind Regards
Rosanna

Andy 16/05/2018 at 2:40 pm

I am a qualified community mediator and just finished my masters degree on civil litigation/ ADR (mediation) looking for opportunity to volunteer in london.And would like to dicuss it further with somebody. Regards.

None 27/11/2017 at 1:45 pm

Wanted information on becoming a volunteer mediator.

Gill 20/11/2016 at 8:55 am

How can I become a voluntary mediator in Worcestershire. I have undergone mediation training. From Gill CreedS

CommunityHelpers Editor 17/08/2016 at 1:59 pm

We do not employ volunteers, this is a just a website that give information.

Tami 17/08/2016 at 12:31 am

I have extensive experience in mediation (family and workplace) but do not have qualification. Can I volunteer with your organisation and possibly gain qualification in one of your training courses?

Espencer 24/01/2016 at 2:31 pm

Hi, I have worked in commercial negotiation for the past 5 years, and would be very keen to explore voluntary training and courses in mediation. Please can you signpost me in the direction of appropriate organisations ideally in Durham/Newcastle? Many thanks!!

ESpencer 24/01/2016 at 2:25 pm

Hi, I have worked in commercial negotiation for the past 5 years and am keen to explore training and volunteering in mediation, specifically in the Durham/Newcastle area. Please can you signpost me in the direction of appropriate voluntary organisations? Many thanks.

CommunityHelpers Editor 04/01/2016 at 2:38 pm

We do not have volunteer positions here, we simply offer advice to those who wish to do so. The easiest way to volunteer in this field to contact any local mediation services, the Citizen's Advice Bureau, the CVS etc

ESmit 04/01/2016 at 9:35 am

Hi, I'm a workplace Mediator and HR professional but very interested in Family Mediation. I would love to volunteer for you as I work part time and have availability. How can I get in touch with you to discuss this? Many thanks

CommunityHelpers Editor 09/10/2015 at 11:52 am

Try Manchester City Council's page for voluntary mediators

Orlz 08/10/2015 at 8:01 pm

Hi Im looking to be get involved in voluntary mediation activities in Manchester. I have undergone mediation training already.

Thanks

CommunityHelpers Editor 01/10/2015 at 12:16 pm

Lots of organisations offer mediation training - not many offer free certification however. It is worth looking into the many options. Key in "mediation training uk" into a search engine...lots of useful results!

Woro. 27/09/2015 at 1:36 pm

Hi,

I was wondering whether there were any trainings in mediation available (possibly free of charge) for volunteers with no previous certification in mediation. I am based in Reading and would be interested in any opportunity here in the south-east (including London).

Many thanks!

Paul 19/07/2015 at 5:00 pm

Hi,

I am 64 close to retirement and would like to train as a volunteer mediator. I am a trained counsellor and practiced part time for 10 years. My main proffession however is engineering

Trouble 26/05/2015 at 7:32 pm

I am currently studying for Diploma in Mediation and seeking volunteering opportunities either in East London or City of London, can you advise who I can contact have tried search engines without success

CommunityHelpers Editor 26/01/2015 at 12:47 pm

@Kadir Abdul. Try searching 'mediation volunteering' together with your town name in a search engine. You should get some useful results - contact individual organisations to find out whether voluntary work is available.

Kadir Abdul 22/01/2015 at 8:14 pm

Hi, I am interested in Voluntary Community Mediation work to gain experience in Mediation, I have recently gained Certification in Mediation.

Chokki 22/01/2015 at 5:59 pm

I have been a JP for twenty years inc ten years in the family court. I am considering volunteering in the Worcester area in the field of mediation. Can you advise me if there are any opportunities locally please.

KRM 17/01/2015 at 9:49 pm

I ama CMC accredited Civil and Commercial mediator who is looking to gain voluntary mediation experience in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or London.

CommunityHelpers Editor 12/01/2015 at 11:51 am

@Annika. Sounds great - good luck with it.

Annika 09/01/2015 at 3:14 pm

Hi I am currently working as a Probation Service Officer, however would like to change careers. I currently have experience in counselling, coaching and mentoring and would like to get involved in some voluntary mediation work and eventually qualify. I would be willing to communte anywhere in the London area to attend training/ volunteer.

Benny 17/11/2014 at 1:43 pm

Hello, I am interested in Voluntary Mediation work in Mediation. Some months ago, I gained Certification in Mediation at Regents University.

CommunityHelpers Editor 06/11/2014 at 12:32 pm

@Chokki. Try the Worcerster Volunteer Centre on 01905 24741 or
enquiries@worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk

Chokki 05/11/2014 at 1:23 pm

I am interested in becoming a volunteer mediator. Can you advise me of any opportunities near Worcester?

Jim 20/08/2014 at 1:34 pm

I am a legal executive and costs lawyer, i would like to get involved with voluntary mediation schemes and learn of any appropriate available training with the view to greater involvement once i retire within the next two years

Sam 11/06/2014 at 10:01 pm

I have a legal background and want some experience in mediation before becoming fully qualified. I live in the north west and can travel. Please can you send me some further details of your voluntary scheme,

Many thanks

Trisha 14/11/2013 at 4:07 pm

I am a nurse and counsellor, have recently obtained accreditation as a facilitative mediator and would like to gain some mediation experience by volunteering. I currently live in derbyshire but am willing to travel. I am available in the day time and weekends.
Trisha

hankelow 11/03/2013 at 8:46 pm

Hi - I am trained as a workplace mediator and have 18 months experience, having completed 15 cases. I would love to develop my skills and to give some time to community mediation. I live in the South Cheshire area and am fairly mobile. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue 06/02/2013 at 8:47 am

Please can you provide me with any information and contact details for voluntary mediation work in and around Birmingham. I hope to be able to train as a mediator but would like to obtain some experience in the field first, thank you, Sue

sofiya 10/01/2013 at 12:08 pm

I would like to change my career and become involved in mediation. I would like any information relating to voluntary mediation work in the North London area. Many thanks.

Michelle 17/12/2012 at 8:36 pm

I am dual qualified as an accountant and a solicitor and have recently obtained accreditation as a CEDR mediator. I would like to gain some mediation experience by volunteering. I currently live in North London but am willing to travel. I work 5 days a week but am available in the evenings and the weekends.

Heidi 23/11/2012 at 1:04 pm

Hi I would like to get involved in voluntary mediation I live in Manchester and my original home is Sheffield so I can go to both. I would be willing to do 2 days and want to know if it is possible?

Please get to me when you soon can :)

Thank you

Meena 24/09/2012 at 2:16 pm

I am extremly keen to conduct voluntary work as a mediator.

I have gained much experience in mediation through my role as a solicitor. I have been involved in a number of successful mediations and would like to gain some experience a s a mediator.

I would be very grateful if you could please forwrad details of how I can become so involved.

Debs 14/09/2012 at 8:49 pm

I am interested in obtaining voluntary mediation experience. I live in south west London. I have diverse work experience, secretarial skills, events organisation experience, an LLB, and an MRes(Law). Deborah

Debs 14/09/2012 at 8:43 pm

I live in south west London. I have an LLB (Hons), an MRes(Law) and solid work experience and secretarial skills. I have never practised law. I prefer a non-adversarial approach to resolving problems. I shall be grateful if you could advise me of mediation volunteer training opportunities in my area. Deborah

Pauline 20/08/2012 at 10:06 pm

I am a trained workplace mediator and have obtained an OCN certificate in mediation. I would like to be involved in some voluntary mediation, please let me know how I can join community helpers as a volunteer mediator.

Thank you.

Sinead 08/08/2012 at 10:55 am

Hi

I am a financial services professional law and BPTC graduate who would like to become pracically involved in mediation volunteering. Can you please advise as to what the joining process involves?

Agony aunt 16/07/2012 at 4:23 pm

I retired from full time work (HR) in April this year. I hold the national certificate in workplace mediation and am a member of PMA. Please advise how I can apply to train as a community mediation volunteer in the Kingston area.
Thank you.

Pat 23/06/2012 at 5:18 pm

I have achieved CIArb accreditation in mediation, during the course of post graduate studies, including other forms of Dispute Resolution. I would like to gain practical experience in mediation, and am content to work on a voluntary basis. I am based in Northern Ireland. I would be interested in establishing the feasibility of undertaking such work.

Chip 17/06/2012 at 10:50 pm

Hi, I am interested in Voluntary Community Mediation work to gain experience in Mediation, I have recently gained Certification in Mediation.

June 23/04/2012 at 12:01 pm

Hello I am a non-practising solicitor interested in becoming a community mediator volunteer- Please could you forward me details of training etc.
Many Thanks

None 07/03/2012 at 3:10 pm

Hi,
I am a CIArb accredited mediator who is considering voluntary work as a way of gaining real mediation experience - can you tell me more please?
Thanks

SLY BACON 12/01/2012 at 10:23 pm

I have a accredited mediation qualification and have been involved in commercial and neighbour dispute work for over 15 years. I would like to gain some active mediation experience.

Joanne 19/10/2011 at 3:31 pm

I am in the process of completing a diploma in mediation and have 7 years experience with the Law Society and the Bar Standards Board resolving complaints using a combination of mediation and conciliation. I live in Edgware, LB Harrow and would preferably like to volunteer as a family mediator, or get involved in general mediation. Any suggestions on how I do this?
Kind regards
Joanne

Kash 12/07/2011 at 8:54 pm

I am a former Police Officer with West Yorkshire and live in the Brighouse area. I am wanting to volunteer as a mediator to assist in bettering my community. How would I go about doing this please?

Kindest regards
Kash Hussain

Elisa 24/06/2011 at 11:01 am

I am a mature professional and would like to get involved in voluntary mediation with the view to becoming a professional. Can you please advise? I live in the Stratford-upon-Avon area.

none 25/05/2011 at 8:12 pm

i would to have a career change and i am intrested in doing volunterr as a family mediator i live in bradford west yorkshire can you please direct me in the right direction or pass my email on
many thanks
a.z.khan

June 07/04/2011 at 7:18 am

I would like to get involved in some voluntary mediation work.

Marina 29/03/2011 at 12:09 pm

I am an accredited mediator and have also got an OCN in Workplace Mediation and would like to start doing some voluntary mediation.

Pauline 12/03/2011 at 7:49 pm

I would like to get involved in Voluntary mediation.

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