 Following prolonged consultation, the organisation known as the Panel of Independent Mediators (PIM) is to restructure and re-brand as of September 2008. Now ten years old, the group whose members handle an estimated one in five of all mediations conducted in the UK, is to reconfigure along lines more appropriate to today's marketplace. In recognition of its shift in direction, the group will become known as 'PIM Senior Mediators' and aims to grow significantly in numbers, initially in the UK, and later beyond. Membership will continue to be by invitation based on 'significant recognition in the market and by their peers.'
The press release outlines the defining characteristics of any 'Senior Mediator' as including the following: - Adherence to high levels of professionalism.
- A significant track record for some years as Mediator or Mediator Trainer in Civil Mediation as shown by public recognition in the Directories or otherwise by reference to user references.
- Adherence to a suitable scheme for feedback from users to individual mediators
- Adherence to an effective complaints scheme.
- A commitment to grow and develop the field by participating in CPD training and also by mentoring and supporting other mediators, recognised mediation institutions and the profession of mediator.
- PIM Senior Mediators will promote discussions and seminars for mediators and users as part of its commitment to high standards and development of the field.
According to chairman Tony Willis, the group's aim is to create a badge of seniority in the mediation profession analogous to the QC kite mark enjoyed by senior barristers. According to Willis: 'There is a difference, and very significant difference, between those who are still in the early days of developing their practice - which is great and we want to encourage that - and the people who've done this for years, grown the field, and done thousands of mediations and therefore have cuts and bruises beyond any others.'
It is hoped that such a move will safeguard against mediator appointments becoming a commodity purchase. 'There's a risk in any growing profession that it's regarded just as a commodity: pick any old mediator, any old plumber, any old builder; but there is a difference, said Willis.
The structure of the group is also changing in anticipation of future growth: a general purposes committee has been established and other groups within PIM Senior Mediators will explore the creation of an appropriate feedback scheme; a complaints scheme and also run a series of seminars and surgeries. As part of the restructuring, PIM Senior Mediators will also abandon any attempt to be a provider, which over the last decade has been a small but significant part of its rationale. |
