We’ve heard from many Best Start leaders through the Nesta BSIL coaching and summits about the value of practical peer networks to get to know others grappling with the challenges of Best Start planning and delivery, learn from each other and solve problems together.
This feels especially important as Best Start leaders make the transition from planning into delivery.
So, we are delighted to be able to incorporate a new offer of peer group mentoring as part of Nesta’s support for local Best Start leaders.
What is peer group mentoring?
Peer group mentoring is a collaborative approach where a small group of colleagues meet regularly to share experiences, solve problems together, and provide mutual support.
Peer group mentoring is about creating a safe, confidential space in which Best Start leads can support each other, share learning, and solve problems. Everyone in a peer group mentoring session acts as both mentor and mentee – there is no single ‘expert’.
How will the Nesta BSIL Peer Mentoring Groups work?
Making Evidence Work will facilitate two peer mentoring groups in March 2026. Each group will be made up of 6-8 Best Start leaders, who will meet online three times. Each session will last 2 hours.
One group will be designed for local leads who self-identify as ‘early stages’, and the other group will be for those who self-identify as ‘going further’.
Sessions will be structured but flexible, focusing on the real issues that Best Start Leaders are facing. A facilitator from Making Evidence Work will keep the process on track, but the expertise comes from the group.
The sessions will be structured as follows:
· Checking in: Brief updates from each Group member, sharing progress and challenges, airing frustrations and worries.
· Thematic introduction: Where agreed by the group, the facilitator introduces a pre-arranged topic or a scenario to focus discussion.
· In-depth Discussion & Problem-Solving: Group members share specific, current challenges. The group discuss these, taking the time to reflect and get under the skin of these challenges, offering perspectives and experiences, and generating potential solutions.
· Action planning and commitment: Identifying key insights and actions to apply in each local context.
· Closing & Next Steps: A summary of key takeaways, and agreement on the focus of the next meeting.
What’s in it for Best Start leaders?
This is an intensely busy time for the people leading Best Start planning and delivery. We know that finding 6 hours in March won’t be easy, and it won’t work for everybody, but we also know that there is strong demand for practical ways to work through how to get the most out of Best Start.
Peer group mentoring offers many potential benefits:
· Enhanced problem-solving: Sharing experiences accelerates solutions to complex, multi-agency challenges
· Stronger leadership skills: Reflective practice builds confidence in decision-m‑making, partnership leadership, and strategic planning.
· Supporting wellbeing: Hearing how others are navigating similar issues and working across systems and boundaries can boost emotional resilience and reduce feelings of isolation.
· Providing peer accountability: The group dynamic helps participants to stay focused on goals, priority actions, and continuous improvement.
· A professional network: Relationships built in the sessions often continue informally, supporting ongoing collaboration and shared learning across areas.
Nesta and Making Evidence Work are testing the approach in the short-term but are interested to understand demand and impact to inform decisions about future Best Start in Life support.