There is now a requirement for those who register with the FMC as child-inclusive mediators to have an enhanced DBS certificate (with a children’s barred list check where the mediator is eligible). The check is for those who have full FMC Accreditation and are either already child-inclusive mediators, or who are about to complete an approved 3-day child-inclusive mediation course.
Mediators should then disclose the certificate to the FMSB, sign up to the DBS update service, and allow the FMC to check the update service as required. This provision will come in to force for mediators newly registering for CIM status from 1 October 2024, and for mediators with existing CIM status from 28 April 2025.
For self-employed mediators, the FMC uses a government approved body, to carry out the enhanced DBS check including the children’s barred list.
You will be required to submit documentation as part of an online ID check. Details of this can be found here. Please note that if you have changed your name e.g. through marriage or civil partnership, then you should apply for the check in one name only depending on which name has the most relevant ID documents. If the name you use to apply for the check is one not known to the FMC, you will then need to inform the FMC office using the email address below.
Please contact the FMC if you would like details on how to apply for the check dbs@familymediationcouncil.org.uk
For those newly registering as CIM-qualified, please send your certificate to the FMC office by emailing dbs@familymediationcouncil.org.uk. For those registered as CIM-qualified before 1st October 2024, please add your DBS certificate to your annual FMC registration renewal form or alternatively email it to us at the same email address.
