Additional student training

The Peer Support programme also provides training for students in specific welfare-focused roles within colleges and common rooms, as well as for Junior Deans.  

Welfare Representative training

Who this training is for

This training is for student Welfare Representatives in junior, middle or graduate common rooms, as well as other nominated student roles where there is a welfare or support responsibility.

About the training  

The training lasts 4 hours in total and is delivered either in person or online. During the session, you will learn about: 

• The role of the welfare representative 
• Active listening and courageous conversations 
• Issues that may come up including suicide education, sexual violence disclosures, and common mental health concerns 
• Confidentiality and safeguarding 
• Making referrals and signposting to support 
• Boundaries and emotional resilience 
• Tailoring welfare events to student populations 
• The unique set-up of college common rooms 

Very informative and provided me with the necessary confidence to feel able to support my fellow students.

- Welfare Representative at Blackfriars Hall

Accessing the training

In the first instance, contact a member of your college welfare team to check whether they already offer this training to Welfare Representatives. If you're not sure who to speak to, you can contact the programme at [email protected].

Junior Dean training

Who this training is for

This training is for postgraduate students appointed to Junior Dean or equivalent roles, including Sub-Deans, Assistant Deans, Welfare Officers and Student Wardens.

About the training

The Junior Dean training is a comprehensive programme designed to support the dual pastoral and disciplinary responsibilities of these roles. In total, the course is 24 hours of training, typically delivered online via Teams before the new academic year.  

Please note Junior Dean training requires full attendance at all sessions and ongoing engagement. It cannot be joined part-way through or caught up later. 

The Junior Dean role is complex and demanding... but I have found great guidance from and community in the Junior Dean training and supervision.

- Junior Dean at Oriel College 

During the training, you will learn about:

• Your role and the dynamics of working in a welfare team  
• Making referrals and signposting
• Navigating confidentiality policies, liability insurance and GDPR 
• Assertive communication, boundary setting and resilience  
• Crisis management and prevention, including suicide prevention 
• Working with complex student cases and busy services 
• Active listening and communication styles 
• Addressing the stigma around seeking support 
• Diversity awareness including stereotypes, assumptions, unconscious bias, intersectionality and privilege 

Accessing the training

I always enjoy going to the biweekly supervision sessions, as it provides a space to reflect on our role on a regular basis... my peers show understanding, ask questions, and challenge my point of view.

- Junior Dean at St. Anne’s College

If you are appointed to a Junior Dean or associated role, you will be contacted about training before the start of the academic year. If you have any questions, please contact your college welfare team or [email protected].