Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes

Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes

Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes

3–7 novembre 2025
Le cours est disponible en English
Présentation du cours

The recent changes in the global labour market have affected traditional labour dispute resolution methods. The place of adversarial rights-based processes such as labour tribunals or arbitration is not in dispute, but at the same time, there is a growing recognition of the value of effective consensus-based dispute resolution methods, including conciliation and mediation. In fact, this method plays today a key role in the way in which employers, workers and their representative organizations find agreed solutions to common problems in the workplace, enterprise and different levels. 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 as well as labour law lawyers. Please note that the number of participants is limited to 18.

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

This course is the assessment part of the online course on Conciliation / Mediation of Labour Disputes (check the 2025 editions of this course).

The assessment process is composed of three different components.

  • Role plays: Participants will be involved in four role-play exercises, two coached and two assessed, in which they will have the opportunity to play the role of the conciliator/ mediator at all stages of the process. Participants will be divided into small groups. All participants will need to be present in the sessions for the entire duration of the course activities.
  • Written Test: This assignment will comprise mostly of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions. The focus of this test will be on the key topics related to conciliation/mediation.
  • Personal Development Plan: Participants will be asked to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as conciliators/mediators, and to discuss how they plan to use their newly acquired conciliator/mediator skills in the future.
Language

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

Attendance requirements

To attend and complete this Certification course all the following requirements need to be met:

  • Only participants who have successfully completed one edition of the ITCILO Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes can attend this advanced course.
  • Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, especially in the Coached and Assessed ones as they are part of the Assessment Process.

It is the responsibility of every single participant to adopt a suitable conduct and abide by the above regulatory framework. The ITCILO cannot be deemed responsible for the unsuccessful completion of the course in case 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.

Accommodation and transportation

The total price of this training activity includes full board accommodation at the ITCILO campus, routine medical care, medical insurance, and internet facilities. The listed prices do not include the cost of travel between the participant's home country and the course venue.

Participants are responsible for holding a valid passport and obtaining the appropriate visa (Schengen). Listed prices do not include the costs of passports, visas, and airport taxes.

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.

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

Start learning about this topic

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

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