MfN Register: How to Choose a Business Mediator
What the quality register for mediators means, how to verify a registration and what else to look for as an entrepreneur
What is the MfN register?
The MfN register (Mediatorsfederatie Nederland) is the official quality register for mediators in the Netherlands. It is managed by the Mediatorsfederatie Nederland (MfN) and serves as the national standard for professional mediators.
Registered mediators meet recognised training requirements, codes of conduct and quality standards, making the register a reliable quality mark.
Choosing a business mediator: what should you look for?
Anyone looking for a mediator in a conflict with a partner, co-shareholder or business counterparty will quickly come across the MfN register. That is a sensible starting point. A registration shows that a mediator has completed a recognised training programme, follows continuing education and falls under a complaints and disciplinary procedure. You can verify this yourself on the register's website, via mfnregister.nl/check-mediator.
However, the register says little about the question that matters most to an entrepreneur: does this mediator understand what my conflict is really about? A dispute over a shareholders' agreement, a failed acquisition or a deadlocked collaboration between directors plays out at the intersection of law, money and relationships. A mediator who knows that terrain will more readily see which interests lie beneath the legal positions and which solutions are commercially feasible.
Therefore, in an initial meeting, ask not only about training and registration, but also about experience with comparable cases, about the approach when emotions run high and about how agreements are ultimately laid down legally. Someone who answers those questions clearly and without circumvention is usually also a reliable guide in the mediation itself.
Questions for the introductory meeting
- What training have you completed and under which complaints procedure do you fall?
- Have you previously guided conflicts between shareholders, partners or business partners?
- How does the process work, how long does it take on average and what does it cost?
- How are the outcomes recorded, and when do we involve our lawyers?
Richard Walraven's status
The profession of mediator
In the Netherlands, mediation is a free profession. The title of mediator is not legally protected and there is no general statutory registration, training or diploma requirement to practise as a mediator. This means that someone may offer mediation services without being enrolled in a professional register.
Training & the MfN register
Richard Walraven has completed a basic mediation training accredited by the Mediatorsfederatie Nederland. He is currently not enrolled in the MfN register and therefore does not hold the title of MfN-registered mediator. This title is reserved for mediators who are actually included in the MfN register and meet the associated requirements in the areas of training, continuing education, practical experience, peer review, complaints handling and disciplinary law.
MfN registration is not a legal requirement for conducting a mediation. However, the Council for the Judiciary and the Legal Aid Council, among others, work exclusively with MfN-registered mediators for referrals.
Safeguards for clients
To offer clients clarity and safeguards outside the MfN register as well, Richard Walraven works according to the generally accepted principles of mediation:
- General principles: voluntariness, confidentiality, independence, impartiality and transparency about the working method, costs and responsibilities of the participants.
- Own complaints procedure: a client who is not satisfied can first submit the complaint to the mediator and then turn to the independent complaints handler named in this complaints procedure.
Until formal registration, he holds the title of mediator and not that of MfN-registered mediator. He does, however, voluntarily adhere to the code of conduct and quality standards maintained by the MfN.
Do you have questions about the training, working method or the path to registration? Feel free to get in touch. Richard is happy to explain this in person.
Key facts
Origin and organisation
The register originated from the former Nederlands Mediation Instituut (NMI), which merged into the Mediatorsfederatie Nederland in 2014. The federation represents various professional and trade associations and safeguards the professionalisation of mediation in the Netherlands.
The MfN register is independent, but is widely recognised by courts, government bodies and the business community.
Importance and use
The MfN register promotes transparency and trust in mediation by providing clarity about the qualifications and compliance with quality standards of mediators.
Courts and government bodies regularly refer to MfN-registered mediators for conflict resolution processes. The register is therefore regarded as the national standard for professional mediation in the Netherlands.
Quality assurance and registration
MfN-registered mediators must meet strict requirements to remain enrolled in the register.
Accredited training
Mediators must have completed a recognised mediation training programme.
Demonstrable experience
A minimum amount of practical experience is required for registration.
Code of conduct & regulations
Compliance with the MfN code of conduct and mediation regulations is mandatory.
Continuing education
Periodic training and re-registration to safeguard quality.