Supervision

Why is it important?

Supervision is crucial in demonstrating the commitment of an organisation and its staff to reflect on practice using a structured approach. It aims to support and increase the confidence and competence of staff and improve the quality of care provided to the patient population. It encourages self-assessment, analytical, and reflective skills and is an essential component of continuing professional development (CPD).

Supervision can have different forms and functions, and there are a wide variety of terms used depending on your job role/place of work. These may include:

• Clinical/practice/professional supervision, which aims to develop professional knowledge and skills and embrace the concept of reflection to apply theory to practice. This type of supervision may identify learning and development needs.
• Restorative/supportive supervision, which focuses on health and well-being.
• Operational/line management supervision, which focuses on maintaining and developing standards of care in relation to safety and quality.

Professional regulatory bodies all support the need for regular supervision in their standards of proficiency and conduct.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also clearly outlines this requirement in Regulation 18: “Health, social and other care professionals must have access to clinical or professional supervision as required, in line with the requirements of the relevant professional regulator.”