Frequently Asked Questions: Developing Expertise in Peer Working

The course runs weekly over a length of six weeks.

Training days for the Developing Expertise in Peer Working course run online via Zoom from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. These days should be protected so students are able to attend the training without interruptions.

The main days this training course are held are on are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The occasional cohort will run on Thursdays.

Students will need the below resources for training days:

• Zoom Application
• Pen and paper
• A laptop/computer/tablet with a webcam (either integrated or a separate one)
• A charger for the laptop/tablet or a power main plug for computer
• Microphone and speaker or a set of headphones with an integrated microphone
• Internet connection (with an upload speed of 2.5 mbps and a download speed of 2.5 mbps)
• Somewhere to attend the training from (ideally from home or a bookable office space/room)

Students will receive course materials and resources from the training team via email prior to and throughout the course, as and when needed.

No. There are no specific academic qualifications required to train as a Peer Support Worker.

Below are the necessary entry requirements:

• Having relevant lived experience for the service or organisation you wish to work in
• Wanting to support others going through similar experiences

You will also need good communication skills – both written and verbal – in your work with peers and colleagues.

You will need to actively participate in 5 of the 6 sessions to complete the course.

There is also a reflective log for you to complete which aligns with one of the Peer Support Competencies outlined in the Health Education England Competency Framework for Peer Support Workers.

Every taught day will have some accompanying questions for you to think about. You will need to answer these on your own and send your answers to us. You can send these to us throughout the course or all at once at the end if you prefer.

Peer Educators, who have lived experience of health challenges and professional experience of Peer Support Work, will be delivering the course. 

There will be two Peer Educators facilitating each session.

This standard 6-week course is not credit-bearing.

However, our 12-week Developing Expertise in Peer Working course is Level 4 accredited. Please contact us for further information.

There is space on our enrolment form to tell us about any support you need (for example, extra time, accessible formats, 1:1 conversation).

Some learners may feel unsure on what support they need until they start learning with us. That is absolutely fine – you can ask for help anytime during the course. Our Peer Educators will guide you through available options.

There is no guarantee that completing this course will lead to a role in the NHS. Recruitment decisions depend on local NHS organisations, the availability of roles, and meeting any additional criteria in the job description.

That said, completing this qualification can strengthen your application, demonstrate your skills and knowledge, and show your commitment to the role. Many employers value formal training when considering candidates for Peer Worker positions.

If you are interested in working in the NHS after the course, we recommend:

• Checking NHS Jobs regularly for Peer Worker vacancies.
• Gaining experience through volunteering or working with peer support organisations.
• Highlighting this qualification in your CV and application to show your readiness for the role.

While the course does not guarantee a job, it can be an important step toward building your career as a Peer Worker.

We run a Level 4 accredited course for Peer Workers who are in post either in a third sector organisation or in the NHS.

Certificates will be sent out within 14 days of completion of the course. If you have not received your certificate within this time, please email us at:

cnwl.peertraining@nhs.net