The FMSB has launched a pilot of a staged portfolio.
In the staged portfolio scheme, trainee mediators produce two shorter portfolios for assessment, one at the end of two distinct stages. This enables them to demonstrate – at an early stage – their initial competence to undertake safe and effective independent practice, while they continue to gather the rest of the evidence to demonstrate they meet the FMC Accreditation (FMCA) requirements in full.
The staged portfolio
- Builds momentum and motivation into the system and makes working towards accreditation the main focus of the post-foundation training stage.
- Provides a clear framework leading to accreditation for both Professional Practice Consultants (PPCs) and trainee mediators.
- Enables mediators to achieve accreditation more quickly, in two years rather than the usual three.
- Concentrates PPC support into specific periods of time to provide meaningful enhanced support which is linked to achieving accreditation.
- Allows mediators to learn how to evidence their own practice using competencies at an early stage.
- Offers an opportunity to assess and ‘sign off’ trainee mediators as able to undertake safe and effective independent practice before they move from co-worked to solo mediation practice.
- Contributes to raising standards of professional practice and offers a model through which mediators working towards accreditation private practice can align with publicly-funded practice.
Participation in the staged portfolio pilot is voluntary and participants must have passed an Approved Family Mediation Training Course, be registered with the FMC as working towards accreditation, and be working with an approved test site.
Applications from organisations/PPCs to participate in the pilot closed in March 2024 and we have a good range of participants. The FMSB may open applications again in due course.
This page contains background information about the pilot, and will be updated in due course with additional information as the pilot progresses.
Background Documents
For Pilot Participants
If you are participating in the pilot as a mediator working towards accreditation, a PPC or in another capacity, you can access pilot documents on the participant page here. Please contact the FMC at portfolios@familymediationcouncil.org.uk for the password, or with any other queries about the pilot.
