• CMC Public Consultation on a Code of Professional Practice for Mediators

  • Introduction

    The Civil Mediation Council (CMC) is consulting on a draft Code of Professional Practice for Mediators. The Code sets out the professional principles, values and expectations that apply to regulated mediators and regulated mediation organisations. It is intended to protect the public, promote confidence in mediation, and support high standards of professional conduct, while allowing appropriate professional judgment.

    This consultation closes on 14 April 2026.

    Should you require any clarification you are welcome to contact us at codeconsultation@civilmediation.org.

    Read the Draft Code of Professional Practice.

  • About You

  • Q1. Which of the following best describes you? (Please select all that apply)

  • Section A – The Code taken as a whole

  • Q3. Overall, do you consider the draft Code to be clear and understandable?
  • Q4. Do you consider the Code strikes an appropriate balance between protecting the public and allowing mediators and organisations to exercise reasonable professional judgment?
  • Q5. Do you agree that the Code is appropriately principle-based rather than overly prescriptive?
  • Q6. Is the relationship between the Code, the CMC Individual Membership Rules, Professional Standards and Guidance clear?

  • Read the CMC Individual Membership Rules

  • Section B – The Elements of the Code

    Element 1 – Knowledge and Skills
  • Q7. Do you agree with the principle underpinning Element 1?
  • Q8. Are the expectations clearly expressed and capable of being applied in practice?

  • Element 2 – Professional practice in relation to mediation
  • Q9. Are expectations relating to impartiality, independence and conflicts of interest clear and workable?
  • Q10. Do you agree with the inclusion of the word ‘justified’ at 2.2?
  • Q11. In light of the rapidly developing use of artificial intelligence, do you consider that paragraph 2.8 adequately addresses this area?

  • Element 3 – Conduct of the mediation process
  • Q12. Does this Element provide appropriate safeguards for participants without unduly restricting the process?

  • Element 4 – Trust and professionalism
  • Q13. Are the expectations proportionate and supportive of public confidence in mediation?
  • Q13. Are the expectations proportionate and supportive of public confidence in mediation?

  • Element 5 – Professional accountability
  • Q14. Are the expectations regarding accountability and cooperation with the CMC clear and proportionate?

  • Element 6 – Organisational governance and accountability
  • Q15. Are the organisational expectations sufficiently clear to understand what is required in practice?

  • Section C – Common themes

  • Q16. Is the distinction between “must” and “should” clear and consistently applied throughout the Code?
  • Q17. Do any parts of the Code appear unclear, duplicative or disproportionate?
  • Q18. Do you consider any important areas of professional practice and public protection are missing from the Code?

  • Section D – Drafting and implementation

  • Q19. Apart from current compliance with CMC requirements, are you currently required to apply a different Code (such as the European Code) as part of your practice? If so, which one?
  • Q20. Are there any parts of the Code that would benefit from clearer wording or structure?
  • Q21. Do you foresee any unintended consequences arising from implementation of the Code?
  • Should be Empty: