Domestic Abuse - Using the new FMC Screening Tool

Domestic Abuse Screening & Risk Assessment Workshop for Family Mediators

This practical, hands-on workshop supports family mediators to confidently use the new FMSB Mediation Screening and Assessment guidance and toolkit, developed to strengthen safeguarding, risk identification and safe mediation practice.

Delivered by experienced PPCs Denise Ingamells and Rebecca Sewell, both closely involved in the national training rollout with the Family Mediation Council and Family Mediation Standards Board, this session moves beyond theory and into real-world application.

The The Family Mediation Trust is proud to have helped fund the development and training of this resource.

What this workshop will help you do

By the end of the session, you will be able to:

• use the screening and assessment tool confidently within MIAMs
• identify indicators of domestic abuse and coercive control
• structure safer, more effective risk and suitability conversations
• apply the guidance consistently and professionally
• make clear decisions about safety, suitability and signposting
• evidence good safeguarding practice in your files and records

What to expect

This is a 3-hour interactive workshop designed specifically for practising mediators, PPC's and WTA's.

Through guided exercises, examples and discussion, Denise and Rebecca will:

• walk through the guidance step-by-step
• explore how to integrate the toolkit naturally into conversations
• share practical language and questioning techniques
• discuss real scenarios and common challenges
• build confidence in applying the standards day-to-day

The focus is practical, supportive and directly relevant to everyday mediation work.

Who it’s for

Ideal for:

• accredited family mediators
• newly qualified mediators
• WTAs and mediation administrators
• practitioners wanting greater confidence around domestic abuse screening and safeguarding

Why this matters

Accurate screening and ongoing risk assessment are central to safe family mediation. Using a clear, consistent framework helps protect clients, children and practitioners while meeting professional and regulatory expectations.

This workshop gives you the skills and confidence to put the guidance into practice straight away.