Last updated: July 2026
Our complaints procedure complies with the requirements of the Family Mediators Association (FMA) and the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
We aim to respond promptly and courteously to any complaint, formal or informal. We value the views of clients and will endeavour always to use these views constructively and responsively.
In the first instance, you should raise your complaint with the mediator, who will try to resolve the complaint with a reply within 14 days of receiving the complaint.
You can raise your complaint in writing, by email: info@padimediation.co.uk
In the first instance of receiving the complaint, the mediator will try to resolve the client's concern informally, having discussed the matter with their Professional Practice Consultant (PPC), where needed.
If a complainant is still dissatisfied, they will be asked to put their concern in writing as to why they are not satisfied with the informal remedy, for more formal consideration of the complaint:
- A written complaint will be acknowledged within 5 working days.
- A response to the client will be given within 14 days of receipt of the complaint.
- If additional time is required, the complainant will be notified of the reason for this in writing.
- The other participant in the mediation will be notified that a complaint has been made.
The mediator's Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) may support the mediator in attempting to resolve the matter by discussion or the provision of additional information with the mediator. In doing so, the PPC may review the case with the mediator and read the mediator's case notes and correspondence. However, they will not investigate the complaint nor contact the complainant.
Some methods of redress may include an apology, a discount on a future session, a relevant explanation of how mediation works, or an assurance for the future.
Alternative methods of resolving the complaint may be considered, such as mediation, in situations where both the complainant and mediator would like this to proceed.
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome, then, following the Family Mediation Council (FMC) complaints procedure, they will be invited to contact the Family Mediation Standards Board (FMSB) within 3 months of exhausting this complaints process.
The FMSB will consider complaints that concern breaches of the FMC's professional standards. Information held by the mediator may be shared with the FMSB.
The procedure for complaining to the FMSB is available at familymediationcouncil.org.uk/complaints-about-mediators.
It gives details of the complaints the FMSB will consider, timescales, the form to be used in submitting a complaint, and a telephone number to contact if a complainant struggles to use the form.
Questions?
If you have any further questions on the complaints procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@padimediation.co.uk.