Leading Mediator Review Panel
Leading Mediator Review Panel
AMDRAS cl 16(c) Special Framework 3 · Peer-review by experienced mediators · Expressions of interest now open
Understanding the Leading Mediator Review Panel
What is the Leading Mediator Tier?
The Leading Mediator tier is a new level of recognition introduced under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). It acknowledges practitioners with significant experience who have contributed meaningfully to the practice of mediation in Australia — through mentoring, supervision, thought leadership, or sustained high-quality practice over many years.
Why We Need a Review Panel
Applications for Leading Mediator recognition are assessed by panels of experienced mediators. This peer-review model ensures that decisions are made by practitioners who understand the work, the standards, and the profession from the inside. At Mediation Institute, we draw our panelists from our own community of senior members.
The AMDRAS Leading Mediator Special Framework 3
The assessment process is governed by the AMDRAS Leading Mediator Special Framework 3, which sets out the criteria a panel must consider and the decisions the panel is authorised to make. You can download the framework document below.
Download the AMDRAS Leading Mediator Special Framework 3 (PDF)
What Panelists Do
Working in a panel of two or more panelists, you would:
- Review the application. Each applicant submits information demonstrating their eligibility for Leading Mediator status. Panelists consider this material carefully against the criteria set out in Special Framework 3.
- Conduct a short interview. Panelists meet with the applicant, generally via video meeting, to confirm the applicant's suitability for accreditation as a Leading Mediator.
- Provide an outcome statement. The panel records its decision and provides an outcome statement to Mediation Institute, which is then communicated to the applicant.
Who is Eligible to be a Panelist?
Minimum Registration Period
To be eligible as a panelist you must have been registered on the National Register for a minimum of 8 years. This threshold ensures that every application is considered by practitioners with the depth of experience needed to evaluate leadership-level work.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome expressions of interest from experienced mediators from any practice background — civil, commercial, family, workplace, elder mediation, restorative practice, or other specialisations. Panelists bring their own professional judgement and standing to the role.
The Commitment
- Voluntary role. There is no remuneration for panel work.
- Public listing. Panelists agree to be listed on the Mediation Institute website so that applicants and the wider community can see who sits on our panel.
- No minimum commitment. We estimate panelists will be asked to sit on 2 or 3 panels per year. You can opt out of any invitation for any reason.
- Conflicts of interest. You must opt out of any invitation where a conflict of interest would affect your independence as a panelist with any nominee.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements and you'd like to contribute to shaping the future of the profession through this peer-review role, we'd love to hear from you.
- Complete the Expression of Interest form linked below.
- A member of the Mediation Institute team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility and discuss what's involved.
- Once confirmed, you will be added to the panel and listed on this page.
Submit your expression of interest here: Leading Mediator Application Review Panelist — EOI Form
Meet Our Current Review Panelists
Our review panel is made up of experienced mediators from across our community, each with well over a decade of practice on the National Register. They bring a range of practice backgrounds and professional judgement to every application they review.
Murray Bickerdike
AMDRAS Accredited Mediator
17 years on the National Register
Cynthia Brooking
AMDRAS Advanced Mediator
8 years on the National Register
Darren Clark
AMDRAS Advanced Mediator
16 years on the National Register
Joanne Law
AMDRAS Advanced Mediator
13 years on the National Register
Common Questions About the Review Panel
1. Do I have to be a Leading Mediator myself to sit on the panel?
No. The eligibility requirement is a minimum of 8 years on the National Register. You do not need to hold Leading Mediator status yourself.
2. How often will I be asked to sit on a panel?
We estimate 2 or 3 times per year. You can opt out of any invitation without having to provide a reason.
3. Is the role paid?
No. Panel work is a voluntary contribution to the profession.
4. What happens if I know the applicant?
You must opt out of any invitation where a conflict of interest would affect your independence as a panelist. This includes professional, personal, or commercial relationships with the applicant.
5. Will my name appear on the Mediation Institute website?
Yes. Panelists agree to be listed on this page so that applicants and the wider community can see who sits on our panel. This is an important part of the transparency of the process.
6. Can I step down from the panel later?
Yes. You can withdraw from the panel at any time by contacting the Mediation Institute office.
Ready to Join the Panel?
If you've been practising mediation for 8 years or more and you'd like to contribute to the peer-review processes that underpin Leading Mediator recognition, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Submit your expression of interest today: Leading Mediator Application Review Panelist — EOI Form