National Mediator Accreditation System
The National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) commenced operation on 1 January 2008. It is an industry based scheme which relies on voluntary compliance by mediator organisations that agree to accredit mediators in accordance with the requisite standards. These organisations will be referred to as Recognised Mediator Accreditation Bodies (RMABs).
The NMAS is intended to provide a base level of accreditation for all mediators irrespective of their field of work. Specific requirements that are relevant to particular fields may be imposed by other accreditation schemes, such as the accreditation scheme for family dispute resolution practitioners. Mediation organisations may opt to accredit mediators under both the NMAS and more specific field based accreditation schemes.
Nationally consistent accreditation standards have been developed to enhance the quality of national mediation services, facilitate consumer education not only about mediation but also other ADR services, build consumer confidence in ADR services, improve the credibility of ADR and help build the capacity and coherence of the ADR field.
Background information about the new system can be found below:
- Report - PDF 1,295KB
- Practice Standards - PDF 78KB
- Commentary on Practice Standards - PDF 201KB
- Approval Standards - PDF 28KB
- Commentary on Approval Standards - PDF 238KB
National Mediator Accreditation Committee
A new National Mediator Accreditation Committee has been established with responsibility for fully implementing the new National Mediator Accreditation System including: developing and reviewing the operation of the standards, developing a national register of accredited mediators, monitoring, auditing and supporting complaints-handling processes and promoting mediation.
The Committee will operate for a period of two years, meeting twice per year, and will be responsible for setting up the permanent body which will operate from 2010.
The Committee’s membership comprises mediation organisations, training and education providers, professional bodies and Commonwealth and State government representatives.
The Committee has established four working groups:
- National Mediator Accreditation Committee
- National Mediator Standards Body
- Practice and Compliance
- Complaints Handling