Audit process

An essential part of IMI’s quality management system is the audit process that regularly reappraises all existing IMI-recognised programs. This includes IMI Certified Mediator Training Programs (CMTPs) and Qualifying Assessment Programs (QAPs), including MAQAPs for Mediation Advocacy, ICQAPs for Intercultural QAPs, and ODRQAPs for Online Mediation.

Organisations with IMI-recognised programs must resubmit their program every two years, for re-appraisal. The due date for program submission is either June 30 or December 31, as advised by IMI. The intention of the audit is to ensure that organisations’ programs have not changed and continue to reach IMI’s independent quality standards.

What does the audit process involve?

IMI has streamlined the audit process to ensure consistency in the quality of IMI-recognised Organisations, while also allowing their Programs to continue delivering high standards of training and assessment uninterrupted. The audit process involves submission of audit applications which are reviewed by IMI Support. If the program appears to continue to meet IMI criteria, there have been no complaints, and the program’s quality has not been reduced, IMI Support will then update the program’s documents on the IMI website and notify the Organisation that their program continues to be recognised by IMI.

Particular attention is paid to:

  1. The detail and quality associated with the program
  2. Diversity and linguistic/geographic reach
  3. How conflicts of interest are identified and managed
  4. The process of how assessors are appointed
  5. How privacy is managed in light of GDPR and similar legislation
  6. That those being Certified meet the bare minimum requirement of 200 hours’/20 mediations complete (QAPs)
  7. The inclusion of the IMI-approved program on the organisation’s website
  8. That the organisation is submitting at least one new IMI mediator under their program (CMTP, QAP etc) per year
  9. That no credible negative feedback surrounding the quality of the program has been received in the past year (negative feedback is assessed by the Appraisal Committee).

What if a program fails audit?

Programs that fail or do not participate in the audit are de-listed on the IMI website, and affected organisations are no longer entitled to use the IMI name or logo/s in conjunction with their programs.

Should an organisation wish to resubmit their program after removal, they are welcome to submit a new application, no less than six months after their program was de-recognised. This is associated with the same application fee as for a new application.

How do I submit our program for audit?

IMI Certified Mediator Training Programs (CMTPs) can submit their audit application online by filling the form here.

Qualifying Assessment Programs (QAPs), including MAQAPs for Mediation Advocacy, ICQAPs for Intercultural QAPs, and ODRQAPs for Online Mediation can submit their audit application online by filling the form here.

Costs

There is a flat rate of €250 associated with IMI’s administrative costs during the audit process. This fee should be paid at the time of program submission. Organisations that do not collect any fees in association with delivery of their program are exempt from this cost.

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