The certificate offers comprehensive cover of the core knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by practitioners to deliver effective and safe client-centred services across the broad spectrum of mental health services in the UK.

The qualification is aimed at staff, volunteers, service users and carers who do not have a professional qualification relating to mental health and are involved in the delivery of mental health services in some way. Such services may include residential, day care or drop-in services, advocacy, in-patient and out-patient care, supported housing, supported employment, home and general community support and specialist services such as those for homeless people. The certificate may be taken independently or alongside other vocational training. It may also be used as either a stepping stone onto or following professional training. There are no prerequisite qualifications, learning or experience for students of the certificate, however City & Guilds Affinity recommends that in order for students to fully benefit from the qualification they should have some current or past practical experience in the mental health field to draw on. They should already have completed their induction period within the workplace or the equivalent.

The assessment strategy for the certificate allows students to gradually build up achievement to the full certificate at their own speed and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has formally accredited the certificate, which means that it is part of the National Qualifications Framework for England and Wales. The awarding body for the certificate will be City & Guilds. For further information visit the website (http://www.mental-health.org.uk/certificate ).