Domas, a paralegal at Andrew Storch Solicitors and a Reading University Law graduate, train as a community mediator with Resolve Mediation in 2015.

 

When asked about the reasons why he chose to train and practice mediation with Reading based charity, Resolve, Domas had only positive things to say. He said that:

 

“Resolve has a perfect mediator progression scheme which enables trainee mediators to work on the cases with a more experienced mediator who give guidance on the practical aspects of mediation and give comprehensive feedback after each session.”

 

Domas explained that he has gained many invaluable key skills through becoming a community mediator. He finds these skills useful on a daily basis.

 

Domas highlighted his listening, speaking, summarising, rapport building, emotional management and note taking skills as key competencies which have improved over time. He also said:

 

“Training and practice on mediation cases as a trainee has taught me to explain complex situations in a simple and non-sophisticated manner.”

 

Resolve provides extensive support to its trainee mediators after they complete their training. As an example, Domas had participated in a project at the John Madejski’s Academy in 2015 - “Taking charge of your life”, where trainee mediators were given a chance to teach children mediation skills and its application in real life situations.

 

Additionally, Domas explained that, as a trainee mediator, he gets a lot of support from leading mediators and the office team. He said: “They are always willing to support and teach/explain certain aspects of mediation which are not so straight forward when a person starts mediating.” 

 

The amount of support Resolve provides its trainee mediators and mediators in general gives them a platform to succeed and be efficient when handling cases. The support and conscientious approach to managing mediation cases helps to produce a high success rate with many cases resulting in an agreement at a joint mediation meeting.

 

As for the effectiveness of mediation, Domas thinks that this method of dispute resolutions is indeed effective with a beneficial impact on the lives of those in conflict. Domas said:

 

“The effectiveness of mediation stems from it being voluntary, neutral, equal and confidential. Other advantages includes its low cost, speed, informal environment, confidentiality, mutuality and control of the dispute. These factors make mediation very powerful and efficient instrument of alternative method of dispute resolution.”

 

Resolve is running a 5-day Community Mediation Skills Training Course in January 2018 with the option of a 2-day Advanced Mediation Training to become a volunteer community mediator. Click here for more details.