The Civil Mediation Council (CMC) is developing a voluntary registration and regulation scheme for mediators and provider organisations, it has emerged.

The CMC aims to draft two registration schemes to replace the pilot accreditation scheme it has been running for the last three years.

It also seeks to put in place codes of good practice and set up a complaints scheme.

While the details are yet to be finalised, it hopes to have the schemes up and running in January 2009 to meet the needs of the government in respect of workplace mediation and the National Mediation Helpline.

CMC vice-chairman Karl Mackie, chief executive of CEDR, said: ‘Mediation is becoming more mainstream and mediators see the need for standards, but there’s a balance to be struck. We’re very conscious that this is a field that could be over-regulated, which would damage the flexibility it offers.’

CMC treasurer Richard Schiffer, chairman of the ADR Group, said: ‘There are increasing numbers of people getting involved in mediation and a bit of organisation may be useful and in everyone’s interests.’