However, a focus on CEDR will be useful as this is the most successful and most developed of the mediation institutions. CEDR CEDR was formed with the backing of the Confederation of British Industry to promote alternative dispute resolution. Its membership is drawn from law firms and industry. From small beginnings it has developed into a well-structured organization which both provides mediators and carries out mediation training. Mediation training is directed both at practitioners who wish to know more about mediation and also at legal practitioners and others who wish to train as mediators.
Training is covered by a five or six-day course.
On the staff of CEDR are some of the most experienced mediators available in the United Kingdom. CEDR-based mediations are conducted not only in England but in other parts of the world. CEDR has been involved in training and assisting development of mediation projects in The Netherlands and was instrumental in the development of the Patents County Court Scheme. CEDR mediation can come about through clauses referring future disputes which are incorporated in agreements. The most important aspect of mediation in England is the confidentiality of the procedure.