Peer support has been consistently identified as one of the most significant sources of support for NQSWs. As part of Employer support for NQSWs, employers and supervisors will make arrangements for formal peer support for an NQSW with an identified peer. They will also encourage a culture of wider informal peer and colleague support.
The roles for peer supervisors and mentors differ from that of supervisor. Think about the different roles of people involved in supporting NQSWs:
- What are the main similarities and differences?
- What skills do you value in those that support you in the different roles?
- What skills do you bring to the role that you have in supporting a NQSW?
- What skills or knowledge do you want to develop for this role?
To learn more please read the resource Peer Supervision and Mentoring.
We would encourage you to think about your responsibility for the wellbeing of the NQSW, reflect on relationship building, communication and consider aspects such as confidentiality.
You can find out more about mentoring and how to support mentoring in your organisation at SSSC Step Into Leadership Mentoring which includes the resource: Mentoring: Supporting and Promoting Professional Development and Learning (SSSC, 2014).
