Training Courses

RICS Mediation Training Programme (South Africa)

• 50 hours CPD

Online

From R22500 + VAT

Please note course runs for 5 days in total

Delivered in two modules, this online course combines practical coaching, interactive role-play, and real-world case studies to equip you with the skills needed to mediate disputes effectively. You will receive expert feedback from both your trainers and peers, ensuring you develop the practical expertise required to act as a mediator.

Not in South Africa?

We also hold this course in other regions:

What is mediation?

Mediation is a structured and voluntary dispute resolution process where a third party (the mediator) facilitates negotiations between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable settlement.

Mediation is widely used in commercial, construction, and property-related disputes as a confidential, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to litigation or arbitration. The process allows parties to maintain business relationships while resolving disputes in a way that is flexible and tailored to their needs. The RICS Mediation Training Programme equips professionals with the skills to manage conflicts, facilitate negotiations, and guide parties towards resolution.

Who is this course for?

The RICS Mediation Training Programme is designed for professionals looking to develop their mediation skills and enhance their ability to resolve disputes.

This course is suitable for professionals working in:

Construction and engineering
Legal and consultancy services
Real estate and property management
Local authorities and government departments
Contract and project management

Professionals who commonly take this course include:

Chartered Surveyors
Quantity Surveyors
Construction and Commercial Managers
Claims Consultants
Legal professionals with a focus on dispute resolution
Project Managers handling contractual disputes

The programme is also valuable for experienced practitioners expanding into mediation to support their current services or further their ability to resolve conflicts efficiently.

Why choose RICS as your training provider?

The RICS Mediation Training Programme is a globally recognised qualification that equips professionals with the skills needed to mediate disputes effectively.

Completing this programme enables you to:

Achieve RICS Accredited Mediator status, enhancing your credibility in mediation.
Be considered for appointment to the RICS International Panel of Dispute Resolvers and Expert Witnesses (South Africa), subject to meeting the panel criteria.
Apply for membership with key professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the International Mediation Institute (IMI), and the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).
RICS training is delivered by experienced mediators and provides real-world, practical skills applicable across multiple industries, including construction, real estate, and commercial dispute resolution.

What does the course cover?

The RICS Mediation Training Programme provides a comprehensive understanding of mediation, from fundamental principles to advanced practical application. The programme is structured into two modules, equipping participants with the skills needed to act as mediators.

Dates: 9 – 11 June 2025

This module introduces the core principles of mediation, providing participants with the essential skills to effectively represent parties in mediation. The focus is on understanding the mediation process, developing strong advocacy techniques, and learning how to engage constructively with disputing parties.
Mediation fundamentals: Understanding the role of mediation in dispute resolution and its benefits over litigation and arbitration.
Mediation ground rules: Establishing and maintaining a constructive mediation environment.
Verbal and non-verbal communication: Techniques to engage with parties effectively and extract key information.
Negotiation and reality testing: Applying evaluative mediation techniques and supporting clients in making pragmatic settlement decisions.
Mediation advocacy: Representing clients effectively in mediation proceedings.

Dates: 18 – 19 June 2025

This module builds upon the skills learned in Module 1 and prepares participants to act as mediators. Through hands-on role play and coaching, delegates refine their mediation techniques and receive feedback from experienced mediators.
Advanced mediation strategies: Developing skills to handle complex disputes and manage high-stakes negotiations.
Time-limited mediation: Conducting effective mediations within constrained timeframes.
Real-world case studies: Applying mediation skills in scenarios based on actual disputes.
Assessment: Successfully demonstrating mediation competency through a final practical evaluation.

What is ACRE?

The RICS ACRE™ (Analytical, Commercial, Restorative, Expert) approach to mediation ensures participants develop a well-rounded skill set to manage disputes effectively.

Analytical – Helping parties to analyse the circumstances, law, and evidence, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their case, to empower them to make pragmatic settlement decisions.
Commercial – Providing flexible, commercially viable settlements that courts or arbitration cannot.
Restorative – Focusing on restoring business relationships through a confidential process that limits reputational damage.
Expert – Using specialist knowledge and experience to narrow issues, reduce costs, and facilitate settlement.

Course format

The RICS Mediation Training Programme is an intensive, structured learning experience designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical mediation skills. The course is delivered online through live sessions, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies.

Participants will engage in:

Live full day sessions: Interactive training sessions led by experienced mediators, covering mediation principles, techniques, and best practices.
Role-play exercises: Practical scenarios where participants act as mediators and parties, receiving real-time feedback.
Mentorship and coaching: Guidance from expert trainers to refine mediation strategies and improve performance.
Assessment preparation: Dedicated time to develop mediation skills through structured exercises and case studies.

To help you plan effectively, you’ll need to allocate time for:

Course reading: Reviewing key mediation concepts, legal frameworks, and case studies before live sessions.
Practice exercises: Applying mediation techniques through guided exercises and discussions.
Assessment: Preparation for the assessment role play as well as a written assignment to be completed after the course.

What do you receive after completing the course?

Completing the RICS Mediation Training Programme demonstrates your expertise in commercial mediation and your commitment to professional dispute resolution. Here’s what you gain:

RICS ACRE™ Mediation Accreditation – A globally recognised qualification that benchmarks your skills and expertise in mediation within the built environment.
Recognition by leading bodies – The programme is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the International Mediation Institute (IMI), and the Civil Mediation Council (CMC), supporting your professional credibility.

Assessment format

The assessment process for the RICS Mediation Training Programme ensures that participants develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to act as effective mediators.

What to expect

Role-play assessments: Participants engage in mediation simulations, taking on the role of a mediator to demonstrate their ability to manage disputes effectively.
Instructor and peer feedback: Throughout the course, participants receive structured feedback from experienced trainers and fellow delegates to refine their mediation techniques.
Recorded assessment: Candidates will be recorded conducting mediation, which will be reviewed and assessed against key mediation competencies.

Resitting assessments

If you’re unsuccessful in an assessment, you can resit with the next cohort. Resits incur a fee of ZAR 2,500.

This robust assessment process ensures you develop the competencies needed to excel as an expert witness and meet RICS’s high professional standards.Download the course guide

Download the course guide

RICS Mediation Training Programme - Brochure (pdf 1.09MB)

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Mediation schedule (PDF 0.11MB)

Published date: 27 February 2025

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For your business

Equip your team with the skills they need to excel as mediators. Our Mediation Training Programme provides comprehensive training tailored to professionals in the built environment.

Group Discounts

Book three or more places and receive a 10% discount. Please note that only one discount can be applied per booking, and group discounts cannot be combined with the Early Bird rate (if applicable).

Contact Us

To discuss training options for your employees or to take advantage of group discounts, contact our dedicated training support team:

Email: drseducation@rics.org
Call: +44 (0) 2476868584

Price Summary

RICS Professional

R22500 + VAT

Non-member

R23600 + VAT

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