Peer Support Policy

As a registered charity, [Charity name] is committed to promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and mutual support through structured and safe peer support activities.
This Peer Support Policy sets out the principles, standards, and governance arrangements for peer support initiatives facilitated or supported by the Charity, ensuring they are delivered ethically, safely, and effectively.

The Trustees recognise that peer support can provide valuable emotional, practical, and social benefits when delivered with appropriate safeguards, boundaries, and accountability.

Purpose of the Policy

1.1 The purpose of this Policy is to:

Provide a clear framework for peer support activities.
Promote safe, respectful, and inclusive peer support relationships.
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and boundaries.
Ensure peer support aligns with the Charity’s values, safeguarding duties, and charitable purposes.

1.2 This Policy supports wellbeing, empowerment, and community connection while managing risk appropriately.

Scope of the Policy

2.1 This Policy applies to:

Trustees.
Employees.
Volunteers.
Peer supporters and participants.
Contractors or partners facilitating peer support on behalf of the Charity.

2.2 It applies to all peer support activities delivered:

In person or online.
Formally or informally.
On a one-to-one or group basis.

Definition of Peer Support

3.1 Peer support is defined as:

Support provided by individuals with shared lived experience, characteristics, or circumstances, offering mutual understanding, encouragement, and practical or emotional support.

3.2 Peer support is not:

Professional therapy or counselling.
A substitute for clinical, legal, or specialist advice.

Principles of Peer Support

4.1 Peer support activities are guided by the following principles:

Mutual respect and empathy.
Voluntary participation.
Equality and shared experience.
Empowerment and self-determination.
Confidentiality and trust.
Safety and safeguarding.

4.2 Peer support must be delivered in a manner that prioritises wellbeing and avoids harm.

Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Peer Supporters

5.1.1 Peer supporters must:

Act respectfully, empathetically, and non-judgementally.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Follow this Policy and relevant codes of conduct.

5.1.2 Peer supporters must not:

Provide professional, medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.
Exploit the relationship for personal gain.

5.2 Participants

5.2.1 Participants are expected to:

Treat others with respect.
Engage voluntarily and responsibly.
Respect confidentiality and group guidelines.

5.3 Charity Responsibilities

5.3.1 The Charity will:

Provide appropriate guidance, training, and support.
Establish clear expectations and boundaries.
Monitor peer support activities for safety and effectiveness.

Establishing Peer Support Activities

6.1 Peer support initiatives will:

Have a clear purpose and scope.
Be designed with safeguarding and inclusion in mind.

6.2 Participation will be:

Voluntary.
Based on informed consent.

Boundaries and Limitations

7.1 Clear boundaries must be maintained to:

Protect both peer supporters and participants.
Prevent dependency or harm.

7.2 Peer supporters must refer participants to appropriate services where needs exceed the scope of peer support.

Safeguarding and Duty of Care

8.1 Peer support activities must comply with:

The Charity’s Safeguarding Policy.
Relevant codes of conduct.

8.2 Safeguarding concerns must be:

Reported immediately.
Managed in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

9.1 Peer support discussions are confidential unless:

There is a safeguarding concern.
There is a serious risk of harm.
Disclosure is required by law.

9.2 Confidentiality limits must be explained clearly to all participants.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

10.1 The Charity is committed to ensuring peer support is:

Inclusive and accessible.
Free from discrimination or harassment.

10.2 Reasonable adjustments will be made where appropriate.

Training, Supervision, and Support

11.1 Peer supporters will receive:

Appropriate induction and training.
Ongoing support or supervision where required.

11.2 Training will be proportionate to the nature and risk of activities.

Managing Concerns and Complaints

12.1 Concerns about peer support activities should be:

Raised promptly.
Managed fairly and sensitively.

12.2 Serious concerns may be escalated under safeguarding or complaints procedures.

Monitoring and Evaluation

13.1 The Charity will:

Monitor peer support activities for quality and safety.
Seek feedback from participants.

13.2 Learning will inform improvement and development.

Governance and Responsibility

14.1 The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for oversight of peer support activities.

14.2 Day-to-day coordination may be delegated, but accountability remains with the Trustees.

Monitoring and Review

15.1 This Policy will be reviewed:

At least annually, or
Following significant changes in activities, risks, or guidance.

15.2 Any amendments must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Conclusion

By adhering to this Peer Support Policy, [Charity name] ensures that peer support activities are delivered safely, respectfully, and effectively, empowering individuals through shared experience while maintaining appropriate boundaries, safeguarding, and accountability in support of the Charity’s charitable purposes.

Signed: ………………………………………
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Date: ………………………………………

Charity Policy templates

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Disclaimer:

Naail & Co provides these policy templates solely as guidelines or standard templates to assist charities in developing their own policies in accordance with Charity Commission England & Wales compliance. These templates are not intended to serve as legal or professional advice, and Naail & Co cannot be held responsible or liable for any outcomes arising from their use. It is essential that each registered charity carefully tailors and customizes these policies to reflect its specific needs, structure, and legal obligations. We strongly recommend that charities seek independent legal or professional advice to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

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