Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes

Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes
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Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes

3–28 novembre 2025
Le cours est disponible en English
Présentation du cours

Conciliation / mediation skills are not innate. They require study, selfreflection and practice. To reduce the extent and likelihood of conflict between the parties involved, conciliators / mediators are required to apply professional expertise. Their competencies will make all the difference in resolving disputes and fostering cooperation rather than competition among the parties. To further reinforce and consolidate the needs of those involved in the bargaining process while fostering the application of core ILO principles and standards, the ILO and the ITCILO have designed this Certification course. As the learning continuation of the Online Course on Conciliation/ Mediation, this course, with its practical focus, aims to develop and improve, as well as assess the competencies of conciliators/ mediators. Please note that this course is the assessment package of the Online Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes. Therefore, to attend it, participants are required to have successfully attended an edition of the ITCILO Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes. Kindly also be informed that this course does not grant accreditation and does not imply any right to employment with a dispute resolution body.

Groupes cibles

The course is designed for staff from labour disputes agencies and Ministries of Labour involved in dispute prevention and resolution, employers' and workers' representatives, Industrial relations experts and practitioners, and labour law lawyers.

Admission requirements
  • This Certification Course (Module 2) is the second step in the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path, focusing on the formal assessment of participants’ conciliation and mediation skills.
  • Completion of Module 1 – the Online Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes – is required, with a Certificate of Participation necessary for enrolment. Module 1 provides the foundational knowledge and practical exercises, while Module 2 evaluates the application of these skills in a structured assessment.
  • If you have not yet completed Module 1, please consult the full range of courses available in the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path.
What topics does this course cover?
  • Conflict dynamic and conflict management
  • Principles of conciliation/mediation
  • Soft skills for conciliation/mediation
  • Process management skills
  • Problem management skills
  • People skills
  • Communication skills
  • Effective skills, tools and strategies for conciliators/mediators
  • Role-plays and practical exercises on conciliation/mediation.
What will I be able to do?

The course aims to:

  • Reinforce and expand your skills and techniques as a conciliator/mediator thanks to the practical learning methodology and the coaching exercises.
  • Have your skills assessed against a matrix of competences guided by experienced tutors.
  • Strengthen your understanding and analysis of the role and functions of the conciliator/mediator and of the process of conciliation/mediation.
  • Share knowledge and experience with peers and colleagues with different professional backgrounds and coming from all over the world thanks to group exercises and interactive activities.
Why should I join?

During the course, you will be able to:

  • Put learning into practice thanks to the latest practical and interactive learning methodologies.
  • Receive guidance and feedback from experienced tutors, who are internationally recognised conciliators/mediators.
  • Join and interact with a diverse network of professionals engaging in issues related to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and conciliation/mediation.
  • Be exposed to a mix of training methods: lectures, plenary discussions, good practices, case studies, group work, and individual exercises.
Structure and methodology

Building on the foundational knowledge and practical exercises acquired in Module 1, this Certification course - Module 2, focuses on the formal assessment of participants’ conciliation and mediation skills. It involves approximately 30 hours of engagement and is delivered on the ITCILO e-Campus portal, accessible via computer or mobile device.

All course resources and tools are available on the platform, and learning combines:live sessions, role-play exercises, self-study and individual assignments.

The assessment is structured around three main components:

Role Plays 

  • Four exercises: two coached and two assessed live sessions.
  • Participants act as conciliators/mediators through all stages of the process.
  • Each session lasts four hours, in small groups.
  • 100% attendance at all live sessions is mandatory.
  • Preparatory sessions are provided for guidance and support.

Written Test 

  • Includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
  • Focuses on key topics related to conciliation and mediation.

Personal Development Plan

  • Participants reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement as conciliators/mediators.
  • Participants outline how they plan to apply newly acquired skills in future professional practice.
Language

The entire training program will be conducted in English. Therefore, a good command of this language is required.

Course attendance and Technical requirements

To successfully complete this Certification Course (Module 2), participants must:

  • Have completed Module 1 – the ITCILO Online Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes.
  • Attend all live sessions
  • Actively participate in all live sessions with the camera on.
  • Ensure technical readiness: stable internet, computer/laptop with working camera, microphone, and headset, and a quiet environment.
  • Follow course conduct rules; the ITCILO is not responsible for unsuccessful completion if these requirements are not met.
Registration

To apply for this course, please click on the "Apply now" button and fill out the online form before the application deadline.

If your application is sponsored by your Institution, you will be required to attach a sponsorship letter, covering the course fees.

Applications will be reviewed through a standardized selection process. Successful candidates will be notified individually.

Payment and withdrawal

Payment can be processed by bank transfer or credit card through an electronic payment link. The total price of this training activity must be paid in advance by the participant or his/her sponsoring organization.

If an enrolled participant wishes or must withdraw from a course, they must notify the Centre, in writing, of their decision at least 14 days prior to the start date of the course. Cancellation of participation in regular courses will result in penalties. For more details on this matter, please check our payment and cancellation policy webpage.

 

A truly enriching and insightful experience that has transformed my practice as a conciliator and positively impacted labour dispute resolution outcomes at the Department of Labour where I serve and lead.

Sparkle Grenade Courtney
Labour Commissioner, Grenada
Start learning about this topic

You can download and read the recommended publication "Professional conciliation in collective labour disputes: a practical guide"

#Conciliation/mediation #Consensus-based conflict resolution #Labour disputes #Conciliation/mediation #Conflict dynamic #Conflict management #Soft skills #Process management skills #Alternative dispute resolution

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