International peer workforce strategies - Key findings from a literature review of strategy documents

To inform the peer workforce strategy Te Pou produced a literature review looking at the features of eight peer workforce strategies from International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) countries (Australia, Canada, UK, USA). This brief provides an overview of the main findings.

All strategies had a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement; workforce planning; understanding the current peer workforce status, barriers and enablers; recruitment and retention, learning and development, and organisational culture.

Other aspects that were less consistently described related to equity; data and information; multi-level, whole-of-system approaches; and sustainability. These are key areas where New Zealand can demonstrate leadership.