Quakers work to promote peer mediation in Britain. Peer mediation is conflict resolution for young people by young people, making schools safer and more peaceful.

Mediators learn the process used by professionals to help people find win:win solutions, whether in families, the workplace or even international relations. It takes empathy, dedication and great communication, life skills we all need.

We champion peer mediation across England, Scotland and Wales, drawing on Quakers' long experience in both conciliation and peace education. We work with providers across the country to enhance the quality of peer mediation training offered to schools. We also offer a train-the-trainer course for schools and organisations who want to learn the skills of training children to be Peer Mediators, and make training available to more schools

Get involved

    Talking Works

    We are working closely Talking Works to develop a secondary school as centre of excellence in peer-led conflict resolution, building on their legacy working with secondary schools and sixth forms.

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    “creative conflict resolution must be regarded as an important educational priority." Sue Bowers and Tom Leimdorfer, 1990

    - Quaker Faith & Practice 24.54

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    Current training opportunities

    As part of our work to build capacity for peer mediation in Britain, we are delivering Train-the-trainer events in key areas. The training is based on best practice from providers we work with, and designed to help both school staff and external providers learn about the training process and content.

    Book training via Eventbrite

    How does peer mediation work?

    Peer Mediation is conflict resolution for young people by young people. View our videos of peer mediation in action in primary and secondary schools.

    It involves:

    • children being trained in mediation skills
    • children using those skills to help their peers resolve conflict

    School communities that have peer mediation schemes report:

    • Increased empathy, understanding, pro-social behaviours across the school.
    • Increased confidence and academic attainment of peer mediators themselves.
    • Staff spending less time dealing with disputes, leaving more time for teaching & learning.

    In a primary school, it is typically either 9-11 year old children who are trained.

    In a secondary school, various year groups can be trained, depending on the aims of the scheme.

    Peer mediation can form an integral part of restorative, relational practice. It can also complement other initiatives such as work on being a UN Rights Respecting School.

    The Civil Mediation Council

    Quakers in Britain is part of the Civil Mediation Council's Peer Mediation Working Group, bringing together providers of training to share best practice and affirm peer mediators in their work. You can read more their work and your next steps in peer mediation at https://civilmediation.org/peer-mediation

    Search for local providers of peer mediation training at https://civilmediation.org/mediator-search

    Contact us

    Contact our Peer Mediation National Coordinator: peermediation@quaker.org.uk

    Talking Works

    Talking Works

    Find out about our search for a partner secondary school to set up a centre of excellence in peer-led conflict resolution. Please visit the Talking Works page.