An appeal has been made by a Government junior minister for trained male mediators to apply for roles with a body intended to help families split through divorce or separation.

Arianna Hodgson told the Senate yesterday that five women with suitable qualifications had been appointed to the seven member Co-Parenting Mediation Council, but two men were needed to complete the team.

Ms Hodgson gave out a telephone number that applicants could call while speaking in the upper house on the issue.

She said: “There were four males who actually submitted an expression of interest, however, all four males were not trained as mediators.

“In keeping with our statutory requirement, the ministry is continuing to search for two male mediators to serve on the council.

“And, so if there are any male, trained mediators, we would ask that you reach out to the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors at 444-2466.”

Robin Tucker, One Bermuda Alliance spokeswoman for social development and seniors, asked if the council was fully functioning without the two male members.

Ms Hodgson said: “I can confirm that they are still operating and, to date, they have had approximately five meetings.

“At this time they are currently working on reviewing the regulations for mediation practices.”

The aim of the Co-Parenting Mediation Council is to help resolve a range of family law matters and reduce the need for court appearances involving such disputes.