Student Resolvers: UCL Student-Led Mediation Project

About the project

We are recruiting students to assist with the establishment and running of a student-led mediation service for UCL students to operate alongside the UCL Student Mediator, Dr. Ruth Siddall.  Students will be trained in order to resolve disputes between students within the University of London.  These may include housing disputes, relationship breakdowns and financial disputes of the kind that might otherwise lead to parties seeking recourse in small claims court. 

Recruited volunteers will initially be responsible for assistance with setting up the service until approximately mid-November.  This will include attending a training led by Dr. Siddall on mediation procedures, as well as case studies.  Where possible, this may include shadowing a mediation session.  Volunteers will also aid in the advertising of the project among the UCL student community.  As this is a new project, this is a unique opportunity to shape an exciting project that will run for several years and to make original contributions and see your ideas take shape in practice. 

Note that all applicants must be available to attend mandatory training on the afternoon of October 25^th.

Student roles

Mediator:  This role is open to students of any degree discipline in second year or above including LLM and others masters students.  Mediators will respond to initial requests for mediation, hold meetings with requesting parties, and lead mediation sessions.  Mediators will also be responsible for referring requesting parties to other services.  Mediators might expect to complete one mediation a month, including associated follow-up and preparatory work. 

Note-Taker: This role is open to all students, including first year students.  Note-takers will attend mediations and hand-write a record of proceedings.   Note takers should expect to become mediators in the following year, provided they are interested in continuing with the project. 

Alternative Role: If you do not wish to be involved in the roles listed above, but have alternative skills you would like to contribute (eg marketing, administrative skills), please email us with your idea at the address below.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a statement of interest of between 250 and 500 words, including an outline of any past relevant experience and personal interest in the project.  When reviewing applications, the focus will be on the following criteria:

• Empathy and personal maturity
• Interest in the project
• Ability to make long-term commitment