UWA Mediation Clinic
Providing mediation services and training
About us
The UWA Mediation Clinic is dedicated to providing excellence in the practice, research, and teaching of mediation and dispute resolution.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we work with our clients on both individual and team-orientated bases to tailor dispute resolution services to best suit your individual circumstances.
We collaborate with a wide network of national and international specialists, including lawyers, barristers, mediators, and practitioners, as well as researchers from a variety of disciplines and professional backgrounds, to meet our ultimate aim: to assist the communities in which we live and work to thrive.
How our approach to dispute resolution is different
We collaborate with a team of world-class researchers and practitioners to incorporate theoretically-driven and evidence-based psychological concepts into our skills-base and approach to dispute resolution.By providing a theory-informed framework to assist mediators to understand what might be motivating the behaviours of people in conflict, we have found that the efficacy of facilitative dispute resolution processes can be enhanced. Specifically, our approach is informed by contemporary mentalizing literature which we have adapted to be user-friendly and directly applicable to mediators from a range of backgrounds and professions.
Facilitative dispute resolution processes offer participants an opportunity to engage in a way that encourages future-focused self-determination and promotes harmony. We believe that the best way to achieve this is to use mentalizing concepts to help participants build a full and flexible understanding of their experiences and those of the other people involved in the situation.
Our services
Training, Workshops, and CPD
We work closely with the UWA Law School to offer internationally recognised courses, including Mediation Accreditation (NMAS), Family Dispute Resolution (FDRP), and a range of continuing professional development opportunities (CPD). These courses are open to staff, alumni, community members, and professionals from a range of disciplines.
We also offer a range of mediation skills and dispute resolution courses that can be tailored to the needs of your organisation or workplace.
Upcoming courses 2025
- Accreditation as a National Mediator (NMAS) – Face-to-Face 6-day intensive (Jan/Feb 2025) - SOLD OUT
- Accreditation as a National Mediator (NMAS) - Face-to-Face - 6 day intensive (March 2025) - SOLD OUT
- Re-accreditation as a National Mediator (NMAS) – Online (March 2025)
- Accreditation as a National Mediator (NMAS) – Face-to-Face after-hours (Apr-Jun 2025)
- Accreditation as a National Mediator (NMAS) - Face-to-Face 6-day intensive (June 2025)
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) training courses
Registrations for our FDRP program are now open.
For further information, please visit Family Dispute Resolution Training
Family Mediation / Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services
We are now offering family mediation and FDR services for families going through separation.
For further information, please visit our FDR page: Family Dispute Resolution Services
Mediation and Dispute Resolution Services
We work with nationally accredited mediators, and take a co-mediator approach to mediation. This means that two mediators will be working together to assist you.
All of our process begin with an individual, confidential pre-mediation meeting.
What happens in the pre-mediation meeting?
The pre-mediation meeting will be with you (and support people where appropriate), either in person or on a video call. In this meeting, we will talk about what has been happening for you in the situation. We will work out together whether mediation is suitable for you and, if so, what format it might take.
What happens in mediation?
Mediation is essentially a talking process. The mediators will help you to have a constructive conversation with the other person or people involved in the dispute. We have found that when people are able to share their experiences, it leads to a better understanding of the situation and helps them to come up with ways to resolve conflict.
In the mediation process, you make your own decisions about how to move forward. Mediation sessions usually take about 3 hours, and some matters may require more than one session.
The mediators will guide you through the process, which will be fully explained in the pre-mediation meeting.
Research and Program Evaluation
The UWA Mediation Clinic is premised upon building an evidence-based practice of mediation. Our goal is to improve mediation and dispute resolution practice for the community.
We have collaborated with a number of leading university, government, and private organisations to develop research and evaluation projects with a focus on conflict literacy and dispute resolution processes.
- For UWA staff and students
- Workplaces, local government, and community groups
- For Children’s court referrals and VROs
National Mediation Accreditation/Re-accreditation
Application for National Mediation Accreditation (NMAS)
Step 1. Complete a Mediation Accreditation Training Course, including Skills Assessment and Reflective Component.
Step 2. Download and complete the Application for Accreditation form.
- Application for UWA Accreditation [PDF 871.8 KB]
Step 3. Payment.
- To receive registration as a Nationally Accredited Mediator for two years, there is a cost of $150, which consists of the Mediator Standards Board (MSB) fee, GST, and administration costs for UWA.
- Once your application has been approved, you will be sent the payment details.
Application for National Mediation (NMAS) Re-accreditation
Step 1. Meet the requirements for re-accreditation.
- Refer to PDF in step 2.
Step 2. Download and complete the Application for Re-accreditation form.
- Application for UWA Re-accreditation [PDF 887.0 KB]
Step 3. Payment.
- To receive registration as a Nationally Accredited Mediator for two years, there is a cost of $150, which consists of the Mediator Standards Board (MSB) fee, GST, and administration costs for UWA.
- Once your application has been approved, you will be sent the payment details.
Further information
- UWA is a Registered Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB).
- Assessments at UWA follow the UWA Assessment Policy [PDF 430.0 KB]
- National Mediation Standards are available on the Mediator Standards Board website.
- A list of nationally accredited mediators is available on the Mediator Standards Board website.
Our Team
- Professor Jill Howieson
- Dr Darren Moroney
- Dr Vincent Mancini
- Emmelie Sparkes
Contact the UWA Mediation Clinic
Our collaborators
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| National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) |
Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) |
Children’s Court of Western Australia |
Supporters
We are proudly supported by the UWA Alumni Fund.
