Supervision

Effective supervision helps peers develop self-care strategies, sustainable working practices, and appropriate boundaries. Supervision was one of the most consistently identified organisational supports across the reviewed studies. Because peer work depends on closeness and authenticity, peers must learn through supervision how to remain connected without becoming overinvolved or triggered. Organisations should promote people with peer support experience into supervisory roles when possible, and train non-peer staff on the peer role. Supervision is most useful when it recognises the uniqueness of peer support work, offers emotional support, and supports professional development.