Spring 2025 marks the culmination of an exceptional human and professional adventure: the completion of the competency framework for French-speaking peer support workers specializing in eating disorders (PA-TCA): the Référentiel de compétences pair-aidante TCA.

The framework has been delivered to the University Hospital Center of Nantes (France), which supported and accompanied this structuring initiative for the professionalization of peer support in eating disorders.

Over the past several months, a committed group of practitioners from Belgium, France, Québec, and Switzerland came together to co-construct this competency framework, with the support of Pierre Morin Formation Inc., and in full compliance with the CVA-ACFP quality charter.

Through online workshops, rich exchanges of experiences formalized general areas of competency, professional tasks, key actions, and transversal skills mobilised by peer support workers, who play a crucial role in the recovery journeys of people living with eating disorders.

This collective dynamic rigorously followed the CVA-ACFP DACUM methodology, which is recognized for ensuring the quality of competency frameworks. Notably, this project represents the first ‘DACUM International’ vocational initiative, as envisioned by Pierre Morin, aiming to expand DACUM quality standards beyond borders and to build ‘global’ competency frameworks.

Every stage of the process adhered to a high level of methodological rigor, from the initial mapping to the detailed analysis of professional competencies.

Respecting the quality standards of CVA-ACFP has ensured the reliability and relevance of this framework, paving the way for future professional recognition of the role.

A heartfelt thank you to all the contributing practitioners for their generosity and exemplary commitment.

This framework is much more than just a document that ‘codifies’ a profession: it represents a cornerstone for the recognition and structuring of this emerging profession, essential to public health systems and to meeting the needs of individuals living with an eating disorder.

Together, we have demonstrated the power of collective action to advance the professionalization of this role and prepare for the next steps toward certification and official recognition!

This article is published in memory of Pierre Morin who passionately supported this project.

Bruno Chauvel
Trainer – French-speaking DACUM Seminars
Canadian Vocational Association (CVA)

For more information on DACUM

https://cva-acfp.org/training-and-workshops/ & https://cva-acfp.org/dacum-plus-services/ or write to dacum@cva-acfp.org