PCPS Application Support & Resources 

This page offers extra guidance and resources to help with your PCPS Training Programme application. If you’re looking for more information or support beyond what’s on the main landing page, you’ll find useful materials and answers to common questions here. We hope these resources make the application process easier for you. 

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About the PCPS Training Programme Application Process

Applications to the Training Programme are completed online. Both the parent or carer and the service must submit separate application forms using their respective links. Applications will only be considered if both parties apply as a partnership. Once both forms are submitted, we will match the PCPSW and service applications to ensure they correspond. 

  • Optional Partner Notification: When completing your application, you can request that we notify your partner applicant once you have submitted your form. This keeps both parties informed and ensures your partnership is complete. 
  • Initial Review and Shortlisting: After receiving both applications, we will conduct an initial triage and shortlisting. If we require further information or clarification at this stage, we will contact you directly. 
  • Panel Review: Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by a panel that includes a PCPS lived experience representative and a clinical professional. This ensures each application is assessed with a balanced perspective. 
  • Outcome Notification: After panel review and final shortlisting, we aim to inform you about the outcome of your application within one week of the closing date. 
  • Issues with Deadlines: If you anticipate any problems submitting your application by the closing date, please contact us as soon as possible at pcps.training@charliewaller.org so we can discuss your situation and offer support. 

Supervision: What You Need to Know

Why supervision matters:

Supervision supports the well-being and safety of PCPS workers, helps them reflect on their practice, and ensures safe and effective support for families. The supervision structure is designed to take account of the unique lived experience and potential vulnerabilities of PCPS workers. 

We know that applicants often have specific questions about recommended supervision approaches for Parent Carer Peer Support workers, what’s required for an application, how to arrange it, and what to do if challenges arise. 

Supervision Key Requirements 

Supervision is a core requirement for participation in the PCPS Training Programme. All PCPS workers must have access to a minimum of one hour per month of clinical supervision from a CYPMH professional or, if necessary, an independent mental health practitioner. 

Key Requirements: 

  • Supervision must be provided by a CYPMH Mental Health Practitioner, or demonstrate direct links to local CYPMH services if initially provided independently. Please note, in this instance you will be asked to confirm that you plan to transition supervision to local CYPMH services if initially provided independently. 
  • Supervisor agrees to undertake mandatory supervisor training 
  • Written supervision agreement or contract must be in place for the duration of training 
  • Services may provide both clinical and line management supervision; both forms are encouraged

We’ve created a “Supervision Guidance and Training Requirements” resource which we strongly recommend reading alongside your application. It provides a more detailed outline of why supervision is important, outlines recommended arrangements, answers common questions, and provides a clear summary of what must be in place for your application to be considered. 

Download Supervision Guidance and Training Requirements

Supervision at a glance: what needs to be in place for your application 

Supervision is a core requirement for participation in the PCPS Training Programme. All PCPS workers must have access to a minimum of one hour per month of clinical supervision from a CYPMH professional or, if necessary, an independent mental health practitioner. 

To make the process clearer, we’ve created a “Supervision Guidance and Training Requirements” resource, along with an “At a Glance” checklist, so you can quickly understand what’s needed for your application. 

You will need to confirm that: 

  • You have a Child and Young People’s Mental Health (CYPMH) professional or, in certain circumstances, an independent Mental Health Practitioner in place to provide clinical supervision for the PCPSW. 
  • Your supervisor is from local CYPMH services or is an independent practitioner and you can identify how they maintain links with CYPMH services. 
  • Your nominated supervisor agrees to undertake the supervisor training and will provide at least 1 hour of supervision per month throughout the training period. 
  • A supervision agreement or contract will be in place throughout the PCPSW’s training journey.

Have any questions? Arrange a 1:1 conversation with us. 

Service Application one-to-one: If your query relates to the service application - such as eligibility, supervision arrangements, or any aspect of organising or supporting peer support within your service - book an application 1:1 with our Clinical PCPS Programme Director. 

Book a services application 1:1 meeting

Parent Carer Application one-to-one: If your query relates to the parent/carer application - including eligibility, lived experience requirements, or finding a partner service - book an application 1:1 with our Lived Experience PCPS Programme Director. 

Book a parent carer application 1:1 meeting

These one-to-one sessions offer an opportunity to discuss your situation with people who have relevant experience and may be able to suggest potential avenues and solutions.

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