Every month, we will be sharing all the exciting things occurring within the FMA. This is the best place to find out what is happening in the FMA community, and a great opportunity for us to share relevant information and connect with our FMA members.
We hope you enjoy!
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming part of the professional landscape. Whether seen as an opportunity or a challenge, it raises important questions for mediation practice.
Following the FMC guidance on AI published earlier this year, the FMA working group has developed draft guidance and supporting materials to help mediators think about how AI tools may – or may not – fit within their practice.
These documents will form the basis of discussion during the final session on Day 1 of the FMA Conference in April, where we hope to hear members’ views and experiences.
We invite you to explore the materials ahead of the conference:
The documents are short, practical, and designed to spark discussion. They will help inform a conversation about what it means to be an authentic mediator in a world where AI tools are increasingly available.
If you haven’t yet registered for the conference, we hope these materials encourage you to join us and contribute to the discussion.
The FMC Newsletter of 5 February included a link to freshly updated PPC Guidance, arising from the report published last year. It now forms the basis of what the FMC expects from all PPCs: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FMSB-PPC-Guidance-v.2-February-2026.pdf
Whether you’re already flying through these revised PPC commitments or you need that gentle “oh yes… that” reminder, here’s a quick checklist of what you need to cover:
A useful exercise and time well spent could be to work through the FMC PPC Guidance with your PPC as a focus for reflection on the practice you provide. The FMA Standards Group is producing a new template for the PPC Contract that you may find helpful, again not least as a focus for reflection. The first draft was shared with the PPC Forum on 17 March and we hope to have the final version available in the next few weeks. It is quite long and comprehensive so you can tailor it to your own requirements.
Being a PPC can be onerous and challenging, but hugely rewarding. We’re looking at ways to provide FMA PPCs with the support they need, whilst recognising that the key relationship will be that with your own PPC.
We are consistently being told that the PPC Update Days which Beverley Sayers provides on behalf of FMA are comprehensive, essential and packed with what you need to know to practice confidently, whether you’re an old stager or new to being a PPC. The first course of 2026 was on March 23; look out for future dates.
You will also have seen that we are experimenting with free online PPC forums, and have had two so far. What we are hearing is that these are much welcomed, so we will continue the initiative.
Our next PPC Forum will be held on Monday 15th June at 12:30pm, further information on the topic will be confirmed closer to the Forum. Please use the link below to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LNM09QSyRnSQPl_Xo3d97A
FMA is happy to host these meetings, and by the end of the year we would hope to have a supportive PPC group to mirror Young FMA, if that is what members welcome. In the meantime, we know there are “regional” and informal meetings of groups of PPCs taking place – do keep us posted!
This is a new initiative by FMA to support its PPC members; do let us know if there’s anything else you need.
And finally – there is always a need for new PPCs! FMA runs a PPC Foundation Course each year, provided there are sufficient to make it viable. If you’re interested in becoming a PPC, contact the office and we can put you on an “expressions of interest” list.
The FMA PPC Sub-Group
The Separated Parenting Programme Directory is a valuable tool for signposting clients to additional support.
It brings together trusted parenting programmes designed to:
• Improve communication
• Support children’s wellbeing
• Build co-parenting confidence
➡️ https://separatedparentingprogrammedirectory.org/
A useful complement to mediation practice.
We’re always keen to share the voices, insights and experiences of our members – and we’d love to hear from you.
If you have a blog post, case insight, opinion piece, or any news you’d like to share with the family mediation community, please consider contributing to the FMA newsletter. Whether it’s reflections on your practice, developments in the field, or updates on projects and initiatives, your contributions help keep our community informed, connected and inspired.
What we’re looking for:
Submissions don’t need to be long or overly formal—clear, engaging content is what matters most.
If you’re interested in contributing, please send your content (or ideas) to us at : info@thefma.co.uk , and we’ll be in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your work with the wider FMA community.
We are expanding our Affiliate Membership and would value your support.
Affiliate Membership connects professionals across disciplines — strengthening collaboration and improving outcomes for families navigating change.
How You Can Help:
• Recommend colleagues or organisations
• Share our LinkedIn posts
• Start conversations with aligned professionals
Your network and insight are invaluable in helping us build a strong, collaborative community.
If someone would benefit from joining, we would love to hear from them.
Thank you for helping us grow.
Child Inclusive Mediation: Best Practices and Techniques for Working with CYP and Feeding Back
📅 7 April 2026
🕒10am – 12pm
👤 Mabel Edge
Focus on the practical skills needed for mediators to engage children and young people respectfully and effectively in mediation. This session covers child-centred communication, assessing readiness, ethical considerations, and integrating children’s voices into outcomes.
Register Now 👉 https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/7396/
Parenting Strategies that Help Separating Parents Meet Their Children’s Needs
📅 8 April 2026
🕒10am – 12pm
👤 Heather Rutherford
Explore the emotional and practical challenges parents face during separation and divorce, with a focus on keeping children’s needs at the centre. This session introduces practical strategies including emotion coaching, descriptive praise, and creating routines that support children’s wellbeing, resilience, and development.
Register Now 👉 https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/parenting-strategies-that-help-separating-parents-meet-their-childrens-needs-4/
Understanding Vicarious Trauma for Family Mediators and Legal Professionals
📅 22 April 2026
🕒10am – 12pm
👤 Simon Shattock
Gain a deeper understanding of vicarious trauma and its impact on professional and personal wellbeing. This session explores recognising the signs, managing emotional challenges, and using self-compassion techniques to prevent burnout and support colleagues.
Register Now 👉https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/understanding-vicarious-trauma-for-family-mediators-and-legal-professionals-2/
Module 1: Introduction to Family Law (5 Week Course)
📅 24 April – 22 May 2026
🕒Fridays 10am – 12pm
👤 Venetia Tosswill
A comprehensive and interactive course covering divorce and dissolution, matrimonial finances, private children law, and cohabitation. Ideal for WTA’s, this course builds essential legal knowledge and practical understanding for mediation.
Register Now 👉 https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/module-1-introduction-to-family-law-5-week-course/
A Mediator’s Guide: Working Effectively with Neurodivergent Adults in Mediation
📅 27 April 2026
🕒10am – 12pm
👤 Claire Webb & Helen Savage
This practical session supports mediators in understanding and working effectively with neurodivergent adults. Learn to recognise different communication styles, reduce overwhelm, and apply neuro-affirming approaches to create a more inclusive mediation environment.
Register Now 👉 https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/a-mediators-guide-working-effectively-with-neurodivergent-adults-in-mediation/
Child Welfare – A Practical Approach to Mediating When There is Social Services Involvement
📅 29 April 2026
🕒10am – 12pm
👤 Mabel Edge
Designed for mediators handling complex cases involving child welfare concerns, this session explores how to navigate situations where social services are involved. Gain practical insight into overcoming barriers and supporting families to move forward constructively.
Register Now 👉 https://thefma.co.uk/conferencetraining/child-welfare-a-practical-approach-to-mediating-when-there-is-social-services-involvement-2/