Q&A – Alliance for Mediation Standards
Q1: What is the purpose of the Alliance for Mediation Standards ?
A: The Alliance aims to be an umbrella body which ensures the quality of mediators by [setting and] upholding/recognising standards for the mediation profession across borders and across mediation institutions. It works towards its Strategic Goals based on the core values set out in our website.
Q2: What is the purpose of the Alliance?
A: The Alliance aims to support the development, alignment, and mutual recognition of mediation standards across jurisdictions, while respecting cultural, legal, and institutional diversity.
Q3: Does the Alliance certify or accredit individual mediators?
A: No. To be clear, the Alliance does not undertake training, testing, or independent accreditation of those aspiring to be mediators. However, its individual members may do so.
[Its role is collaborative and facilitative rather than regulatory.]
Q4: Who can become a member of the Alliance?
A: Membership is open to mediation-related organizations, accreditation bodies, and professional networks that are involved in developing, applying, or promoting mediation standards.
Q5: What are the benefits of membership?
A: Membership provides organizations with access to a global forum for collaboration, exchange of best practices, participation in joint initiatives, and engagement in discussions aimed at strengthening mediation standards worldwide.
Q6: Does the Alliance support cross-recognition of mediator credentials?
A: Yes. One type of grouping under the Alliance allows for a cross-recognition arrangement, under which mediators accredited by one member organization may apply for recognition by another member organization, subject to meeting agreed minimum criteria. This supports professional mobility and mutual trust across systems. See the different types of Alliance Partners (particularly Alliance Certifying Partner – Level 3) here.
Q7: What activities does the Alliance undertake?
A: The Alliance serves as an umbrella body for like-minded institutions. These institutions are grouped according to whether they :
(i) Explicitly recognise each others’ baseline professional mediation standards;
(ii) Merely follow such standards; or
(iii) Simply agree to promote them.
See the different types of Alliance Partners here.
Equally importantly, the Alliance facilitates dialogue among members, supports comparative analysis of standards, encourages cooperation and alignment where appropriate, and promotes shared learning through events, meetings, and initiatives.
Q8: How does the Alliance add value to the mediation field?
A: By offering a neutral and inclusive forum, the Alliance helps reduce fragmentation, strengthens confidence in mediation standards, and enhances the credibility and consistency of mediation practice globally.
Q9: What are the differences between IMI and the Alliance for Mediators’ Standards?
The International Mediation Institute (IMI) focuses on recognition, credentialing, and transparency of individual mediators, including competency frameworks, certification pathways, and public registries.
The Alliance for Mediators’ Standards focuses on coordinating and aligning mediation standards across organizations, acting as a collaborative platform rather than certifying individual mediators.
In short: IMI works on mediator credentialing, while the Alliance works on [harmonizing standards among institutions].
Q10: What are the strategic goals of the Alliance for Mediators’ Standards?
A: Please see the goals set out in our webpage here.
Q11: How does the Alliance balance global alignment with local diversity?
A: The Alliance does not impose uniform standards. Instead, it provides a forum where organizations can [align on core principles] while preserving regional, cultural, and legal specificities.
Q12: How does the Alliance contribute to the credibility of mediation globally?
A: By encouraging transparency, dialogue, and cooperation among standard-setting bodies, the Alliance enhances confidence in mediation standards and promotes greater consistency in professional practice worldwide.
Q13: How does the Alliance complement existing mediation institutions rather than compete with them?
A: The Alliance does not replace or duplicate the work of its members. It complements existing institutions by connecting them, amplifying their efforts, and supporting interoperability between different standards systems. This is done primarily through through partnering with like-minded institutions at different levels. See the different types of Alliance Partners here.
Q14: At what stage of development is the Alliance for Mediators’ Standards?
A: The Alliance for Mediators’ Standards is currently in its foundational growth phase.
The Alliance was established by a group of founding member organizations committed to advancing coherence and collaboration in mediation standards. Since its formation, the Alliance has expanded steadily and now includes more than ten organizations that have been formally invited to partner and have accepted.
In March 2026, the Alliance will publicly announce the next phase of its development, reflecting its growing membership, partnerships, and global engagement.
An Advisory Board is currently being formed to support the Alliance’s strategic direction and thought leadership. Michael McIlwrath, Lela Love, Prachi Mehta, and Michel Kallipetis have already kindly accepted to join the Advisory Board.
This phase reflects the Alliance’s transition from founding collaboration to broader global presence and influence.
Q15: What is the long-term vision of the Alliance?
A: The long-term vision is a globally connected mediation community where high-quality standards are widely understood, respected, and mutually recognized, enabling mediation to flourish across borders and sectors.