PrivacyPolicy

Last updated: March 18th, 2026

1. Introduction

The Chartered Mediators Registry (“the Registry”) exists to provide a trustworthy, transparent system for verifying the qualifications of professional mediators. Because the Registry’s work involves evaluating credentials, maintaining historical records, and presenting accurate information to the public, we handle personal information with a high degree of care.

This Privacy Policy explains not only what information we collect, but also the reasoning behind those practices. Our goal is to give applicants, credentialed mediators, and the public a clear understanding of how information flows through the Registry, why certain information must be retained, and how we protect the integrity of the credentialing process.


2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When individuals apply for credentialing or interact with the Registry, they provide information that allows us to evaluate qualifications, verify identity, and maintain accurate professional records. This includes contact information, training history, continuing education documentation, and professional details such as practice areas and languages offered.

We collect this information because credentialing is inherently evidence‑based. The Registry must be able to confirm that applicants meet established standards, and that credentialed mediators continue to meet renewal and continuing education requirements. Without this information, the Registry could not fulfill its purpose or provide reliable verification to courts, agencies, and consumers.

Applicants may also submit a professional biography or a profile photo. These elements are optional, but many mediators choose to include them to help the public understand their background and areas of practice.

Payment information is collected during application and renewal processes, but it is handled exclusively by secure third‑party processors. The Registry does not store full payment details, as doing so would introduce unnecessary risk.

Information Collected Automatically

When visitors access the Registry’s website, certain technical information is collected automatically. This includes IP addresses, browser types, device information, and general usage patterns.

This information is not collected for marketing or profiling. Instead, it helps us maintain a secure and functional website. For example, IP logs allow us to detect suspicious activity, diagnose technical issues, and ensure that the site remains available and reliable for all users.

Cookies and Related Technologies

Cookies may be used to maintain secure sessions, improve navigation, and understand how visitors interact with the site. These technologies help ensure that the website functions smoothly and that users can complete tasks—such as submitting applications—without interruption.


3. How We Use Personal Information

The Registry uses personal information for purposes directly tied to credentialing, verification, and organizational accountability.

Information is used to evaluate applications, confirm training and experience, maintain accurate records, and communicate with credentialed mediators about renewals, continuing education, and policy updates.

In addition, the Registry may use information to investigate ethics or disciplinary matters. This is a necessary part of maintaining the credibility of the credentialing system. When concerns arise, the Registry must be able to review relevant information to determine whether a mediator continues to meet the standards associated with their credential.

We may also use aggregated, non‑identifying data to understand how the website is used and to improve its performance. This type of analysis does not involve identifying individuals.

The Registry does not sell personal information, and we do not use personal information for advertising or commercial profiling.


4. Public Directory Information

A central function of the Registry is to provide a public directory that allows courts, agencies, and members of the public to verify a mediator’s credential status.

For this reason, certain professional information is displayed publicly. This includes a mediator’s name, credential type, credential status, city and state, practice areas, languages offered, and a short biography. These elements help the public understand who the mediator is, what qualifications they hold, and whether their credential is active.

The decision to publish this information is intentional. Credentialing systems depend on transparency. Without a public directory, the value of the credential would be diminished, and the public would have no reliable way to confirm whether a mediator is in good standing.

At the same time, the Registry takes care to limit what is displayed. Sensitive information—such as home addresses, payment details, ethics submissions, and internal notes—is never made public.

If a mediator’s credential becomes inactive, suspended, or revoked, the directory reflects that change. This ensures that the public always has access to accurate, up‑to‑date information.


5. How Information Is Shared

The Registry shares personal information only when necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

Information may be shared with secure third‑party service providers who support website hosting, data storage, or payment processing. These providers are required to protect the information they handle and may use it only for the purposes authorized by the Registry.

Information may also be shared when required to verify credential status for courts, agencies, or members of the public who rely on the Registry for accurate information. In these cases, the information shared is limited to what is necessary for verification.

In rare circumstances, information may be disclosed to comply with legal obligations or to investigate ethics or disciplinary matters. These disclosures are made carefully and only when required.

The Registry does not sell or rent personal information.


6. Data Security

Protecting personal information is a core responsibility of the Registry. We use a combination of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

These safeguards include encrypted data transmission, secure credentialing systems, access controls, and ongoing monitoring of website security. Access to sensitive information is limited to individuals who require it to perform their duties.

While no system can guarantee absolute security, the Registry is committed to maintaining protections that are appropriate for the sensitivity of the information we manage.


7. Data Retention

Credentialing records have long‑term value. Courts, agencies, and the public may need to verify a mediator’s credential status years after the fact. For this reason, the Registry retains credentialing records as part of its permanent historical archive.

Directory information remains public while a mediator is active. If a credential becomes inactive, the directory reflects that change, but the underlying records remain part of the Registry’s internal history. This ensures continuity, accountability, and the ability to respond to verification requests.


8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights related to accessing, correcting, or requesting deletion of your personal information.

Because credentialing records serve a public verification function, certain information cannot be deleted even upon request. However, individuals may request corrections to inaccurate information or request removal of optional elements such as biographies or photos.

Change requests may require identity verification to protect the integrity of the credentialing process.


9. Third‑Party Websites

The Registry’s website may contain links to external sites. These sites operate independently, and the Registry is not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.


10. Children’s Privacy

The Registry’s services are intended for adults engaged in professional mediation. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 18.


11. Changes to This Policy

The Registry may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in practices, legal requirements, or organizational needs. The “Last updated” date indicates the most recent revision. Continued use of the website or participation in the credentialing process constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.


12. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, you may contact:

Chartered Mediators Registry
PO Box ### Hackensack, MN 56452
Info@CharteredMediators.org