Important Visa Information
This position is eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship for skilled workers. However, please note that obtaining sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants, including those requiring sponsorship, must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and the employer will assess your specific circumstances as part of the application process.
Job Summary
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is seeking a Trust Peer Support Lead to join their Service User and Carer Experience and Engagement Team. This is an exciting opportunity to help grow the Peer Support Workforce across the Trust in line with their Together Strategy priorities. The successful candidate will join a passionate, creative team focused on improving collaborative care, learning from service user experiences, and co-producing service improvements with people with lived experience.
About the Company
GMMH Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff who deliver services from more than 122 locations across Greater Manchester. The Trust provides inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan, as well as specialist mental health and substance misuse services across the North-West of England and beyond.
Location and Working Environment
The position is based at The Curve, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 3BL. Greater Manchester is known as one of the world’s most innovative, original, and exciting places to live and work. The area offers beautiful countryside surrounding a vibrant inner city with excellent shopping, entertainment, and dining options. The local community is known for its warmth, humor, and generosity.
Job Details
Company: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT
Job Title: Trust Peer Support Lead
Salary: £47,810 to £62,682 per annum (pro rata)
Band: Band 7
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part-time
Reference Number: 437-7620701
Essential Qualifications
Education: Educated to Master’s level in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
Training: Training in Peer Support and Recovery.
Research: Involvement in research organisationally or wider.
Psychological Interventions: Training in Psychological Interventions.
Lived Experience: Personal experience of mental health challenges with a willingness to positively share life experiences.
Peer Support Experience: Previous experience as a Peer Support Worker or Peer Support Trainer.
Desirable Qualifications
Leadership: Leadership training.
Teaching: Teacher training qualification.
HR Management: Experience in managing complex HR issues and workforce planning.
Essential Experience
Significant post-qualification experience working in mental health services (statutory or voluntary sector). Experience of leading change and working across organisational boundaries with professional groups at a senior level. Experience of analysing organisational issues and developing/implementing change strategies. Experience of supervising and appraising staff (individual and group). Experience of teaching and facilitating groups. Ability to travel between locations across the Trust footprint.
Knowledge Requirements
Excellent understanding of peer support theory and practice, including the benefits of lived experience in the mental health workforce. Knowledge of building community links and networks. Understanding of cultural issues affecting mental health. Knowledge of various interventions to support recovery and good mental health. Awareness of the NHS long term plan and the contribution of peer support work. Understanding of safeguarding requirements and information guidance.
Skills and Abilities
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to form professional relationships. Effective active listening skills. Ability to manage complex behaviors and trauma sensitively and safely. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to engage and motivate others. High emotional intelligence with ability to manage priorities compassionately. Creative with solution-focused approach. Excellent facilitation skills. Professional report writing abilities. Self-care techniques to maintain psychological wellbeing.
Benefits Package
As an NHS employee, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package including 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years). The Trust offers an excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, salary sacrifice car scheme, wellbeing program, and Blue Light Card discounts. You’ll also have access to numerous training and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
How to Apply
Application Method: Apply via the NHS Jobs website.
Application Deadline: 4 January 2026
Contact Person: Claire Watson (Head of Service User Carer Experience & Engagement)
Email: Claire.Watson@gmmh.nhs.uk
Phone: 01619385122
International Applicants Checklist
Before applying, international candidates should:
1. Verify visa eligibility with the employer directly
2. Prepare required documentation including educational certificates
3. Ensure English language proficiency meets NHS standards
4. Research UK visa requirements and processing times
5. Be prepared to provide criminal record certificates from any country where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years
6. Contact the employer to discuss sponsorship specifics
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify any previous criminal convictions. All candidates must be willing to undergo this check as part of the employment process.
Supporting Documents
Candidates should review the attached job description and person specification (JD-PS.pdf, 561 KB) before applying. The document provides detailed information about the role responsibilities, person specification, and additional benefits available to NHS employees.
Employer Information
Employer Name: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT
Address: The Curve, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 3BL
Website: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/
Awards: The Trust is an accredited Armed Forces Covenant employer and Living Wage Employer
Diversity and Inclusion
GMMH is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender reassignment. We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges who wish to contribute to our services through peer support roles.
Further Information
For more information about GMMH and the services they provide, please visit their website. You can also find information about living and working in Greater Manchester, including housing options, schools, and local amenities that may be relevant to international relocating candidates.
Privacy Notice
Please review Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT’s privacy notice at https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?ver=5351 to understand how your personal data will be processed and protected during the application and employment process.
Apply Instructions
Step 1: Complete your application via the NHS Jobs portal. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
Step 2: Upload your CV and any supporting documents that demonstrate your qualifications and experience.
Step 3: Answer the competency-based questions thoroughly, providing specific examples from your career.
Step 4: For international applicants, include a statement confirming your eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline of 4 January 2026.
Confirmation of Application
Upon successful submission, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive this within 24 hours, please contact Claire Watson at Claire.Watson@gmmh.nhs.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email within 4 weeks of the closing date.
Interview Process
The interview process includes a 30-minute presentation on ‘The Future of Peer Support in Mental Health Services’, followed by a panel interview with questions focusing on your experience, leadership skills, and understanding of peer support principles. Candidates will also complete a written exercise analyzing case studies.
Relocation Support
For successful candidates relocating from abroad, the Trust offers a relocation package including assistance with finding accommodation, immigration guidance, and settling-in support. This includes a dedicated contact person for the first three months of employment to help navigate local services and community integration.
Professional Development
The Trust is committed to continuous professional development. This role includes access to advanced training in peer support methodologies, leadership development programs, and opportunities to present at national conferences. Funding is available for relevant postgraduate qualifications.
Workforce Equality Monitoring
We collect anonymized data for monitoring equality and diversity in our recruitment processes. Your responses to the equal opportunities questions will be treated confidentially and used solely for monitoring purposes. This data helps us ensure our recruitment processes are fair and inclusive.
Feedback Policy
All applicants who participate in the interview process will receive detailed feedback upon request. This feedback is intended to help you understand your performance and areas for development. Feedback requests should be made within one month of the interview decision.