Participation Learning Agreement

• To attend each scheduled training session for the duration of the Mediation Training Course, respecting the start and finish times of each session. Participants are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the commencement of each training session, regardless of whether it is delivered face-to-face or online.
• To provide CRS with as much notice as possible if they are unable to attend part of or all of a set training session, with such notification to be emailed in the first instance.
• To make myself available at a mutually agreed time during business hours to “catch up” on training sessions that may have been missed.
• Be available as a role player for a minimum of two assessed role plays (after the completion of the course).
• There may be times where participants may need to withdraw from the CRS Mediation Training Course due to illness, family commitments or other unforeseen circumstances. In these instances, we can issue a letter to verify the number of hours in training and role plays completed, which then may be used to “credit”/recognition of prior learning towards future training pursuant to NMAS.

• Keep all confidential information about previous mediations or other sensitive information disclosed by participants, trainers, coaches, and volunteers during the Mediation Training Course.

• To respect the differences of others including opinion or experience within the Mediation Training Course. This includes endeavouring to work with participants in role plays that I may find challenging.
• Aim to resolve any differences with fellow participants collaboratively, and model effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

• Not to use any part of the content and or material of the CRS Mediation Training Course for any other purpose outside the original intention of the course, that is, in participant’s own practice of delivering a mediation process. Any use of part, or all of the content and or the materials of this course (for example, to train others, disseminate to others) whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, must be authorised by CRS in writing.

After the completion of the Mediation Training Course, participants are offered the opportunity to sit the assessment. Each participant is required to be available to act as role player for two other participants’ assessment. The final assessment will be recorded, and the cost of the assessment is included in the course fee.

A. If re-assessment is required.
In the event a participant is assessed as “Not Yet Competent” in the initial assessment, remedies for re-assessment include: The student can request another assessor to review the recording and or the student can request another simulated role play assessment. CRS will appoint a different assessor to undertake the re-assessment and will organise with the student to schedule the reassessment. The cost for re-assessment will be $350.

B. If ongoing re-assessment is required.
In the event a participant is assessed as “Not Yet Competent” in their re-assessment, remedies for re-assessment include: The student can request another assessor to review the recording and/or the student can request another simulated role play assessment. CRS will appoint a different assessor to undertake the re-assessment and will organise with the student to schedule the reassessment. The cost for a second re-assessment will be $350.

By this stage the student has been assessment as “Not Yet Competent” on at least two occasions by two different assessors. CRS suggests that the student participate as a role player in any future Mediation Training Courses to further improve their skills and knowledge base before scheduling another simulated role play assessment.

Once the student has participated in the above activities, then CRS will create another opportunity for re-assessment. The cost for re-assessment will be $350.

Please note that the timeframe of the course completion and undertaking the assessment is limited. Depending on when a participant undertook the Mediation Training Course, they may need to complete the training again. This will attract further fees for undertaking the course a second time.

Some participants find the Mediation Training Course challenging due to the development of new skills and strengthening personal qualities. The course can also challenge some participants to take off the hat/s they wear in other areas of their life, particularly if they are used to giving advice, investigating situations, making determinations, and providing therapeutic interventions which are contrary in most respects to the principles and practices of a mediator.

CRS has also found that some participants find that the role plays can resonate with past issues and difficulties in their own lives, particularly as the nature of the role plays can vary from commercial to family to social disputes which we have all experienced.

CRS encourages all participants to take care of their emotional needs during the course. This may involve accessing personal and professional support networks.

Additionally, participants are welcome to debrief with the training staff at any time during the course including in between scheduled contact hours.

CRS is committed to continually improving the Mediation Training Course and seeks your feedback on how you have experienced each element of the Course. You will be provided with opportunities to provide feedback during and after the course both formally and informally.

If you have a concern during the course, please bring it to the attention of the training staff in the first instance. This will help for an immediate informal response, quality improvement and/or resolution.

If the concern cannot be resolved informally, a formal complaint can be lodged through our website.

• Acknowledge that CRS will invite each participant to participate by audio and/or visual platforms, only where CRS have determined that is appropriate to do so. I understand that CRS may decide to terminate audio and/or visual sessions at any time, if it is determined that the matter is, or has become, inappropriate to continue via an audio and/or visual platform.
• Where technical problems may occur, including if the audio and/or visual connection is not sufficient to support the session, CRS will advise me of an alternate method of completing the session.
• Sessions conducted via audio and/or visual technology will not be the same as an in-person session. Participants understand that, in order to have the best results for the session, they should be in a quiet place, free from outside distractions, mobile phones turned off, close other programs on the device used and “arrive” to the session 10-15 minutes prior to the commencement time.
• Ensure the sessions are to be conducted in a private environment, where the session cannot be overheard or interrupted by third parties. This includes ensuring that no other person or third party is physically present, or in hearing of the session except as otherwise permitted. If a third party were to enter the room, the participant will advise the trainers as soon as practicable.
• Not make any audio and/or visual recordings during my contact with CRS during any part of the process. I understand that the same confidentiality protections and limits to confidentiality apply to audio and/or visual platforms as they would to an in-person session.
• Understand the potential risks to the use of technology, which may include interruptions, unauthorised access, and technical difficulties. Acknowledge that it is not possible for CRS to guarantee that any technology utilised in the sessions are 100% secure and/or confidential.

• Respect the personal space of others.

• Abide by all COVID-19 safety plans in place by CRS.

• Abide by all Health Orders or directions issued from time to time.

• Inform CRS if I have been to a hotspot, in contact with someone with COVID-19 or that person has been to a hotspot, as soon as practicable. Further, advise if they are required to self-isolate at any stage during the Mediation Training Course.