The Civil Mediation Council (CMC) is to consult on the introduction of minimum training standards for mediators to combat ‘cowboy operations’.

Paul Randolph, chair of the CMC communications committee, said the board is initially ‘leaning towards’ a minimum of 40 hours’ training before individuals can be accredited as civil or commercial mediators.

If agreed, the proposal would be ­introduced in 2011, he said, although he stressed nothing has been finalised and the issue is open for discussion among members.

He said a survey of the top 10 mediation training providers showed a wide range in the courses being offered, lasting from three to eight days, with some offering distance learning and others post-course assessment.

Randolph said: ‘The idea is not to bring in some form of regulation, but to give the public confidence that people accredited on the CMC list of mediators have attained an appropriate level of training.

‘We’re concerned about those cowboy operations that offer accreditation after only four hours’ training,’ he added.