It is recommended that MHPs have significant post-qualification experience of working in mental health field prior to join the primary care sector. Available job descriptions suggest between 2 – 5 years‘ of experience, on account of the level of autonomy associated with the MHP role in primary care.
The Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) suggests that MHPs should have the following training and educational qualifications:
- A professional qualification in mental health, equivalent to a registered RMN (mental health nurse), registered social worker, or registered therapist.
- In-depth working knowledge of secondary specialist mental health services and the wider health and social care community, as well as the third sector.
- Comprehensive experience in educating and training the mainstream workforce, particularly non-specialist mental health workers.
- Substantial experience with assessing risk and producing risk management strategies.
- Current registration with a professional body (ideally the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and a commitment to CPD.
Individuals can undertake a self-assessment on their own knowledge, skills and behaviour against this core capabilities framework Mental-Health-Core-Capabilities-Framework-Final-30-April-2024-PDF-1.pdf. It is based on the Mental Health Nursing – Competence and Career Framework and you can then understand what the skill gaps are and develop a PDP for each individual.
Advanced Practice Mental Health Practitioners – NHSE trainees
Anyone who is a trainee on the accredited NHSE MSc AP Pathway has specific requirements according to their individual accredited pathway. Find more information regarding supervision standards and supervisor capabilities please see our
Advanced Practice page
Advanced Practice Mental Health Practitioners – Non-NHSE trainees
An individual who is not a NSHE AP Trainee but is working at an Advanced Practice level should have similar standards regarding supervision and supervisor capabilities but is not bound by and AP training commitment regarding hours of supervision etc that is dictated by the HEI provider. See our
Advanced Practice page for further information.
Regulatory requirements