Unlocking Improvement: Introducing the Peer Review Toolkit
November 12, 2025
We are delighted to share the recording from a recent NHS IMPACT Lunch and Learn session, hosted by Dr Amar Shah, National Clinical Director for Improvement, featuring Jacqueline Myers, Chief Strategy Officer at NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Jacqueline introduced the Peer Review Toolkit, a new resource designed to strengthen learning and improvement across health and care systems through structured, supportive peer review processes. The session explored the context, development, content, and early deployment experiences of the toolkit, alongside reflections on peer review’s role within integrated care and quality improvement.
Why peer review matters
Peer review is a collaborative process that enables organisations to share practical insights and learn from each other. It is not an inspection but a conversation between equals, rooted in trust, psychological safety, and appreciative inquiry. When done well, peer review can:
Foster openness and shared learning
Support incremental improvements
Build stronger relationships across systems
About the Peer Review Toolkit
Developed in partnership with Aqua (Advancing Quality Alliance) and co-produced with stakeholders across health and social care, the toolkit provides:
Clear principles for peer review
A four-stage cycle: pre-review, review, feedback, and action/follow-up
Practical tools and templates, including: stakeholder mapping, psychological safety resources, documentation templates for recommendations, and flexible design for adaptation across different contexts
The toolkit was launched in 2023 and is now available for wider use and feedback.
Early experiences and lessons learned
Initial deployments have highlighted both opportunities and challenges:
Ambulance handover peer reviews received positive feedback, with practical strategies shared and adopted
Discharge arrangements peer review faced resistance due to resource concerns and misconceptions about scope, offering valuable lessons on communication and expectation setting
Upcoming reviews will explore safer staffing tools and their impact on safety and cost
Key insights
Peer review works best as part of a broader improvement strategy, not as a standalone solution
Success depends on cultural readiness, clear roles, and proactive follow-up
Co-production and adaptability are essential for relevance and acceptance
A ‘try and learn’ approach helps embed peer review into improvement culture
Watch the recording:
Practical advice for adopting peer review
Understand your organisation’s history with peer review
Engage colleagues early to address concerns and build trust
Use or adapt resources like the Boost Peer Review Toolkit
Embrace iteration and reflection – peer review is a learning opportunity for everyone involved
