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Leave of Absence
For time away from Mediation Work for up to 12 months.
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Non-Practicing Certificate
For time away from Mediation Work for 12 - 24 months.
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Temporarily Unable to Mediate?

If you are currently unable to provide mediation services, you may be eligible to request a Leave of Absence or apply for Non-Practising status under the AMDRAS Accreditation Standards.

Leave of Absence or Non-Practising Status

AMDRAS recognises that accredited dispute resolution professionals may need to step back from practice for reasons such as:

  • Health issues

  • Career or life changes

  • Other special circumstances

For details, refer to the AMDRAS Accreditation Standards – September 2024, Section 4: Leave of Absence (page 7). Download the Accreditation Standards (PDF)

How to Apply

If you are a Mediation Institute Member:

  1. Visit www.mimembers.au

  2. Log in using your member credentials and go to your dashboard.

  3. Click Renewal Forms and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the Leave of Absence Request Form. Complete the form and we will confirm your request once received.

Your application will be reviewed by Mediation Institute in accordance with AMDRAS standards and guidelines.

If you are accredited through another Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP):
Contact your RAP directly to obtain the correct process and forms.

Not sure who your RAP is?
Check the National Register of Nationally Accredited Mediators.

Duration of Leave

You may request a leave period that suits your circumstances:

  • Up to 12 months

  • More than 12 months

Leave of Absence Up to 12 Months

  • Your name will be removed from the AMDRAS Public Register during your leave.

  • Your accreditation period will be extended by the same length as your approved leave.

  • You may return earlier than planned by notifying Mediation Institute.

  • At the end of your leave, you can renew your accreditation provided you meet the practice hours (20), professional development hours (25), and hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Example 1: Short-Term Overseas Travel
You are overseas for six months and your accreditation renewal is due in four months.

  • Apply for a six-month Leave of Absence.

  • Your name is removed from the AMDRAS Register.

  • Your renewal date is extended by six months.

  • If you return early, you must provide evidence of current Professional Indemnity Insurance to be reinstated.

Example 2: Recovery from Illness
You have been diagnosed with a serious illness and apply for a 12-month Leave of Absence.

  • Your accreditation is paused and extended by 12 months.

  • You return and renew your accreditation when ready.

Leave of Absence More Than 12 Months

  • You may apply for a Leave of Absence or a Non-Practising Certificate.

  • Your name will be removed from the AMDRAS Register.

  • You must apply for reinstatement, not just renewal.

Reinstatement After Extended Leave

To be reinstated after a long-term Leave of Absence, Non-Practising Certificate, lapsed, or suspended membership, you must provide:

  • The date you were first accredited under AMDRAS and the details of the leave or lapse period.

  • Evidence that you meet the approval requirements from Section 2.1 of the AMDRAS Standards, including:

    • Current Professional Indemnity Insurance

    • Proof of good character

    • Evidence of meeting renewal requirements (e.g. CPD and practice hours) in the two years prior to reinstatement.

If you have not met the CPD or practice requirements, you may need to undertake gap training and/or a competency reassessment. Any conditions imposed when your leave or suspension was granted must also be met. Accreditation will be reinstated once all requirements are confirmed.

Important Notes

  • You may request a Leave of Absence only once every four years.

  • This option is not intended for routine short breaks or holidays.

  • A Leave of Absence cannot be backdated more than two months before the date your application is submitted.

Non-Practising Certificate

A Non-Practising Certificate allows an AMDRAS-accredited dispute resolution professional to maintain a formal connection with the profession without actively mediating.

This option is suitable if you:

  • Are taking extended leave (for example, parental leave, travel, or illness)

  • Are stepping back from practice for personal or professional reasons

  • Wish to remain part of the AMDRAS network without seeing clients

Key Conditions:

  • You are not required to complete CPD or meet practice hours during this period.

  • You will not appear on the public AMDRAS register.

  • You are not permitted to practise as an accredited mediator while holding this status.

  • Your accreditation is paused, but your professional connection to AMDRAS remains.

Application Process:

  • Mediation Institute members: log in at www.mimembers.au and complete the Leave of Absence / Non-Practising Certificate Request Form.

  • If accredited through another RAP, contact your RAP directly for their application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need professional indemnity insurance during a leave of absence?
No. While on leave you are not actively accredited as a mediator and are not required to maintain professional indemnity insurance.

2. Can I participate in Mediation Institute CPD events while on leave?
You are not eligible for the free professional development sessions included in active membership. However, you may:

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