CBS accreditation
Interventions in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing and peacebuilding are highly sensitive, and may cause unintended harm to participants when delivered by unskilled practitioners. The CBS Accreditation Programme ensures that CBS facilitators, trainers and organisations implementing CBS methodology are appropriately skilled, competent and credible in delivering high quality CBS programmes.
The accreditation programme encourages continuous improvement among implementing organisations and professionals, while offering valuable recognition from governments, donors, and other stakeholders in the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and peacebuilding, enhancing both credibility and impact of the CBS methodology.
As a knowledge institute and network organisation, ICBS is the only certification body for CBS methodology. The CBS Accreditation Programme was co-developed with CBS partners and CBS professionals with longstanding experience in development, implementation, training and research on CBS methodology.
Accreditation overview
The accreditation framework outlines the structure and standards for certifying individuals trained in the CBS methodology. The system ensures quality, consistency, and recognition of training outcomes, empowering practitioners and enhancing the credibility of CBS programmes.
This process involves the accreditation of both CBS facilitators and CBS trainers. CBS facilitators are accredited to support and guide CBS groups within their communities, while CBS trainers are accredited to train and mentor facilitators in applying the CBS methodology. Through this dual accreditation system, the program ensures that both trainers and facilitators possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to effectively implement and sustain CBS activities in communities.
Levels of accreditation
1. Accreditation of CBS facilitators.
CBS facilitators are community members trained to facilitate CBS groups in their own communities. They are selected based on set criteria aligned with CBS principles and values. There are 3 levels in skills development of CBS Facilitators.
Basic Training
Consists of 15 training days focusing on development of knowledge and skills on CBS methodology, including its philosophy, values, principles, phases and topics, group facilitation, group dynamics and management of emotions. After the training, the participants organise and facilitate a CBS group in their community.
Intermediate Training
Consists of 5 day tailor made training to address the gaps in knowledge and skills. To tailor the training to participants needs, the participants are visited during their facilitation and debriefing meetings, and reports of their work are studied. The focus is to address the challenges participants experienced in their facilitation of the CBS group.
Advanced Training
Consists of 5 day tailor made training to address the needs raised by the participants. The focus of this training is to address the gaps in knowledge and skills as identified by the participants through their facilitation practice. Specific attention is given to group dynamics and skills to manage group dynamics.
2. Accreditation of CBS Trainers
Beginner CBS Trainer
Conditions/criteria: Minimum 14 credits
- Completion of the training on the CBS approach, attended basic, intermediate,
and advanced training, and passed the written test with at least 75%, assessing
the understanding of the approach. The attendance should be 80% minimum in
each of the three training blocks. The missed percentage will be compensated
for by an assignment.
- Completion of the training of trainers (ToT) for 5 days.
- Having facilitated at least one CBS group.
- Endorsed by at least one Certified Trainer
Intermediate CBS Trainer
Conditions/criteria: Minimum 19 credits
- Having fulfilled all the requirements for a beginner trainer, level one.
- Having successfully facilitated at least two complete training blocks for
facilitators.
- Having written at least one article/essay about CBS related to group facilitation.
Senior CBS trainer
Conditions/criteria: Minimum 30 credits
- Having fulfilled all the requirements for an intermediate trainer, level two.
- Having written at least one essay/article on CBS training.
- Having attended at least 10 workshop sessions with the CBS Community of Expertise.
Trainer of CBS Trainers
Conditions/criteria: Minimum 50 credits
- Demonstrated excellence in facilitation and mentorship
- Completion of ToT programme (5 days)
- Peer and trainer evaluations
- Contributes to methodology development or adaptation.
To learn more, contact us on accreditation@icbs.ngo