About this Course
The Mediation Skills Training course is not just another program; it's a transformative journey designed to equip you with the specialized skills and nuanced understanding required to mediate conflicts effectively. This course is a collaborative endeavor between SA Legal Academy and Fair Practice, two esteemed organizations committed to the advancement of alternative dispute resolution methods.
Under the expert guidance of Adv Veerash Srikison, a Harvard-trained mediator and negotiator, you will delve into the intricacies of mediation. Veerash brings a wealth of experience and a multi-disciplinary approach to the course, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded, practical education in mediation skills.
The course features a meticulously crafted curriculum that covers every aspect of mediation, from the foundational principles to advanced techniques. Whether you're learning about ethical decision-making in complex scenarios or mastering the art of online mediation, this course offers a holistic training experience.
What sets this course apart is its focus on real-world applications. You will engage in practical exercises, case studies, and role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life conflicts, providing you with invaluable hands-on experience. This approach ensures that you are not just learning theory but are fully prepared to apply your skills in various professional settings.
This is a fully accredited program, recognized by the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). Upon successful completion, you will earn 30 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, adding significant value to your professional profile.
By enrolling in this course, you're not just gaining a certification; you're acquiring a skill set that will make you an invaluable asset in any conflict resolution setting, be it professional or personal.
Competencies Developed in this Course
This intensive 5-day course is designed to equip delegates with a comprehensive set of skills and competencies essential for effective mediation. Below are the key competencies that participants will develop:
- Understanding of Mediation Principles: Gain a deep understanding of the core principles that guide the mediation process.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Learn to navigate the ethical challenges that can arise during mediation.
- Effective Communication: Master the art of effective communication, including active listening and asking effective questions, to facilitate a successful mediation process.
- Conflict Analysis: Acquire the skills to analyze different types of conflicts and their sources.
- Negotiation Techniques: Develop problem-solving negotiation techniques to facilitate the mediation process.
- Relationship Management: Learn how to preserve relationships during negotiations and mediations.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the impact of cultural diversity, assumptions, and biases in mediation.
- Legal and Commercial Reality Testing: Gain the ability to conduct commercial and legal reality tests during mediation.
- Online Mediation: Acquire the skills needed for conducting online mediation sessions.
- Toolkit Building: Develop a comprehensive mediator's toolkit, including various techniques and approaches for different mediation scenarios.
- Risk Analysis: Learn to conduct a risk analysis of not reaching an agreement during mediation.
By the end of this course, delegates will be well-equipped to mediate various types of disputes across different sectors, making them invaluable assets in any conflict resolution setting.
Course Delivery, Duration, and Effort
This short course is delivered through the SA Legal Academy online learning campus. The course is divided into 14 modules. In this way you can maintain a work-life balance whilst studying and improving your professional skills.
Duration: 5 days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm including breaks.
Intakes:
- Starting 26 March till 1 April 2025 (Weekend Excluded)
- Starting 1 October till 7 October 2025 (Weekend Excluded)
- Starting 3 December till 9 December 2025 (Weekend Excluded)
Note: Each intake has limited seats available.
Who Should Attend?
- Human Resource Professionals: Gain the skills to mediate workplace disputes effectively, thereby fostering a more harmonious work environment.
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers, paralegals, and legal advisors can deepen their understanding of alternative dispute resolution methods, adding a valuable skill set to their practice.
- Business Leaders and Managers: Learn to resolve conflicts efficiently within your organization, saving both time and resources.
- Mediators and Arbitrators: Enhance your existing skills with advanced techniques and approaches in mediation.
- Social Workers and Counselors: Acquire the skills to mediate familial or social disputes, adding another layer to your professional capabilities.
- Government Officials: Those involved in public policy and community relations can benefit from learning how to mediate disputes at the community or governmental level.
About the Lead Trainer
Adv Veerash Srikison
Veerash Srikison is an admitted advocate and the founder of Fair Practice, a dispute resolution services organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Through Veerash’s endeavours and working with like- minded people, Fair Practice has been nominated and won the category of Best Mediation Firm of the Year in the South African Prestige Awards 2022/2023.
She is a cum laude graduate of the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA – University of Pretoria) in Alternate Dispute Resolution and is the lead trainer for Fair Practice and AFSA (Arbitration Foundation of South Africa) in mediation and negotiation skills training.
Over the past 6 years, she has trained hundreds of professionals from all sectors, including presiding officers in our judiciary, senior members of the Bar Council and delegates from the South African defence force, in Mediation, Negotiation and Conflict Management.
She is a Harvard-trained mediator and negotiator and has presided as a judge in Civil/Commercial Mediation and Negotiation competitions globally. She is also an internationally accredited civil/commercial mediator and negotiator and represents South Africa on a global scale with her endorsements of mediation advocacy and collaborative law.
In addition to her Mediation and Negotiation qualifications, she has obtained an LLM (University of Pretoria) with distinction merit for her dissertation on Mediation in Family Law and is a current Private Law doctoral candidate at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Veerash is a trustee of the organisation Matla A Bana – A Voice Against Child Abuse and works closely with the SAPS in volunteering her time to assist where needed. Her passion for giving people a voice to reduce emotional trauma in disputes has made her an invited keynote speaker at numerous conferences and events.
She has become a known speaker on all media platforms advocating for collaboration over conflict and the empowerment of the vulnerable through her work as a mediator and negotiator in high- conflict disputes.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
Before enrolling in this Mediation Skills Training course, prospective delegates should consider the following prerequisites and admission requirements to ensure they can fully engage with the course material and activities:
- Basic Understanding of Conflict Resolution: While not mandatory, a basic understanding of conflict resolution principles will be beneficial.
- Professional Experience: This course is designed for professionals in various sectors; therefore, some level of professional experience is recommended.
- Language Proficiency: The course is conducted in English; hence, a good command of the English language, both written and spoken, is essential.
- Technological Requirements: For those attending the online version of the course, a stable internet connection and basic computer literacy are required.
- Pre-Course Assignment: Completion of a pre-course questionnaire is mandatory. This will be sent to you upon registration and must be submitted before the first day of the course.
- Time Commitment: As this is an intensive 5-day course running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day, delegates must commit to full-time participation.
By meeting these prerequisites and admission requirements, you will be well-prepared to fully participate in and benefit from this comprehensive Mediation Skills Training course.
Accreditation
This training program complies with the skill set needed to be regarded as a mediator in terms of Rule 70 of the Magistrates Court Rules and Rule 41A of the High Court Rules of South Africa. In addition, the course is accredited by SABPP for 30 hours of CPD.
SABPP Accreditation
This Mediation Skills Training course is fully accredited by the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), a professional body recognized for setting standards in people management and development. The course if brought to you by SA Legal in collaboration with Fair Practice.
SABPP Accreditation Number
The course has been assigned the accreditation number CN23CPD0072SABPP, ensuring its alignment with national and international standards in mediation training.
SABPP Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points
Participants who successfully complete the course will earn 30 CPD points, contributing to their professional development requirements. These points are recognized by various professional bodies and can be used to maintain or upgrade professional status.
Curriculum
Overview:
- Session 1: Introduction to Dispute Resolution
- Session 2: The Analysis of Conflict
- Session 3: Communication Styles
- Session 4: Mediation
- Session 5 The Mediator
- Session 6 How to Apply the Communication Skills of a Mediator
- Session 7 The Mediation Process
- Session 8 Introduction & Opening Statements
- Session 9 Exploring and Analysing the Dispute
- Session 10 Generating Options
- Session 11: Facilitating the Mediation
- Session 12: Breaking Deadlock (Impasse)
- Session 13: Close the Mediation - Resolution
For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum please download the prospectus.
About SA Legal Academy
Welcome to SA Legal Academy (SALA), a provider of courses to help you succeed in your chosen career. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced training staff and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Legal Academy.
SALA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.
Course Fees
The course fee is R 7 500.00 and consists of:
Educational Resources
- Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to webinars, enhancing your learning experience.
- Live Sessions: Interact in real-time with experts, gaining insights and clarifications on complex topics.
Learning Support
- Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalized guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
- Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
- Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.
Flexibility and Convenience
- Study Online: Complete your course and take your exams online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.
Payment Methods
Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT
You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.
EFT / Bank Deposit
You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.
Your Company / Employer
It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.
Third Party
If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.
Payment Options
Option 1: Once off payment
- R 7 500.00
Corporate Training Solutions
At the Legal Academy, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.
Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 012 941 0448. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals.
Contact Us For More Information
Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!
- Online chat through our website: https://legalacademy.co.za
- Call: +27 (0)12 941 0448
- Email: [email protected]