Assessment criteria for courses

Using the assessment criteria

Assessments are carried out using the:

• Part 6 FMC Competencies as a baseline. You will be expected to demonstrate an introductory level of knowledge and skills in the range of competencies as set out during the course and particularly in role-plays and other inter-active learning where you are asked to act in the role of a mediator.
• The FMC Code of Practice, which sets out the principles for ethical and professional practice. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and adherence to the Code
• Course Objectives and learning outcomes set for the course

Assessment tools

Trainers are provided with the following:

• Role play assessment sheets – trainers are required to complete these assessments for each of the role-plays for the trainee in the role as mediator. Written observations are then shared individually with you and wherever possible this should take place on the same day as the role play has been undertaken.
• Trainee’s self-assessment logs – you are encouraged to keep a self-assessment of your progress and this can be a useful part of assessing progress with the trainers. It allows you to indicate those areas where you may have particular concerns or worries you wish to discuss and/or address. You will be asked to reflect on your self-assessment as part of your post-course assignment.
• Pre-course assignment marking sheets – these are provided for assessment of the pre-course written assignment/s and project work set for completion before the attended part of your course and returned before the start of that part of the course. The purpose of assessment of the pre-course work is to assess that you have appropriately examined the subject/s as set and have been able to address expected learning points ahead of the attended course. The trainer’s assessment commentary will be shared with you during the attended part of the course on an individual basis and you are reminded that your assignment/s and assessment of them will form part of your portfolio of course papers for discussion with your PPC following successful completion of the course.
• Post-course assignment assessment sheets – these are provided for assessment of the set questions in the pre-course assignment following the attended part of the course. Please remember that your post-course assignment must be returned by the date set on the course. The purpose of this assignment is to assess your ability to consider and respond appropriately and reasonably comprehensively to the questions you have selected.

If it is the case that any of your course work does not or barely meets the required standard, your documents will be second assessed by the other course trainer. The trainers may decide that it would be helpful for you to re-draft some or all of your documents and if so, will provide you with feedback and the reasons for their request to re-draft. The trainers will ensure that they discuss this with you carefully either by telephone or/and during the attended part of your course. Where it is the case that re-drafting is required, an appropriate timescale will be agreed with you so as to ensure that you are given sufficient time to re-draft.

• Overall assessment of course performance – this allows your trainers to bring together thoughts and written observations together in an overall assessment of your performance across pre-course work, on the attended part of the course and in relation to the post-course assignments. The headings provided refer to the competency headings i.e. sections for: Theoretical and Legal Knowledge, Understanding and Application of Process, Performance skills (working with parents/carers and with children and young people). The trainers will provide an overall assessment of knowledge, skills and application of both in your pre-course work, during the attended part of the course (using all aspects of your course performance), post-course assignment and utilising the competencies within each section as observed to form written and overall feedback for you and your PPC.

During the entirety of the attended part of the course, your trainers will ensure there is time for individual discussions with you and we encourage you to discuss your own thoughts on your progress in those discussions. Each of the trainers will be given individual responsibility for a number of trainees but you should also feel free to share any thoughts or concerns you may have with either or both trainers.

Your trainers will provide any feedback and raise any concerns they may have with you individually, appropriately, sensitively and confidentially.

If you do not reach the required standard

Sometimes trainees do not reach the required standard at the end of their course. Where this is the case, you and your trainers should first of all be in agreement that this is the case. This should involve discussion of your progress with you and a review of any written work and written observation or assessment by all the trainers. It is then important to consider where and at what level and in what way you have not yet met the standard and to think about the ways in which it might be possible to assist you in reaching the standard. This may be by:

• Repeating sections of or the whole course (this includes all parts of the course attended or at distance learning required pre/post-course)
• A specific programme of further learning and support provided by a nominated CIM trainer or CIM PPC, either with a final review to be carried out by a nominated CIM trainer or CIM PPC, or prior to completing or repeating the final (or any additional modules) of training
• A combination of the above

Please remember:

• The standards for competence relate to achievement in practice. You are therefore expected to meet an introductory or initial level of knowledge and skills appropriate to a new CIM mediator who has yet to begin their practice.
• We believe and are committed to ensuring that assessment flows throughout the course and that you should be aware of any concerns about your progress as early as is possible and that opportunities are provided to you to help you to succeed. Conversely, it is also important that you should feel able to raise any concerns that you have about your own performance or progress at any time with your trainers.
• Trainees are individual members of a larger group, we undertake to ensure that feedback, assessments and observations are handled sensitively and professionally. No one person should feel ‘singled out’ in any way, it is our aim that you feel supported and that there is a relationship between you and your trainers that encourages dialogue and discussion.
• If at any point you have a concern about how any assessment has been made or have any concern about your training or the outcome from your course, you should in the first instance raise it with your trainers or contact Louisa Grisdale, Training Facility Manager, at Resolution’s offices for further information and assistance.