professional supervision practice in health and social care
1.1 Analyse the principles, scope, and purpose of professional supervision
The principle of professional supervision is to provide a safe, confidential, and supportive, professional environment for the supervisor and the supervisee to discuss roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the supervisee knows what is expected of them within their role. In a professional supervision one person with experience, knowledge, and relevant skill- the supervisor, takes responsibility for the wellbeing and work performance of another person- the supervisee. The Supervisor measures the supervisees performance against ‘performance indicators’ which are developed using of legislation, codes of practice and agreed ways of working as the benchmark of good performance.
The purpose of supervision is to ensure the whole service is working in the legal and prober ways and that there is a universal understanding of this throughout the organisation. Supervision ensures understanding of the supervisee’s role and responsibilities within the organisation and cements an organisation wide understanding of shared goals. This gives the supervisee chance to state where they feel they need more support or more responsibility, as well as discussing mandatory training or training for personal development.
A regular formal `check in’ between management and staff ensures that staff have a platform to raise concerns or discuss issues openly and honestly before they become endemic. This way of working develops and open culture where staff feel valued, able to express themselves and free to admit when they need help. For example, when staff make mistakes they will be more likely to be open and honest knowing they will be supported to improve. Rather than cover up mistakes because they fear reprimand, which will lead to unsafe practices.
Supervision provides a formal setting for the supervisor to state what has gone well and what needs improvement or mentoring. It is a formal way that the supervisor ensures duty of care for everyone and accountability. It allows the supervisor to protect the supervisee from discrimination or bullying. As well as providing a formal platform to ensure safeguarding and whistleblowing is highlighted and dealt with appropriately and quickly. Supervision offers support to the supervisee with all work-related issues and even personal issues where their workplace may be able to help.
The scope of supervision can be far reaching as it provides a formal setting to discuss any concerns or achievements relating to the supervisees role. Therefore, there is the potential for pretty much anything to be discussed. There is the opportunity to raise safeguarding, health, and safety concerns or ‘whistle blow’, discuss ways they feel they could help improve the service or make any suggestions relating to service users or raise concerns. The supervisee may discuss conflicts or difficulties with colleagues, the supervisor may offer a different perspective on things or may help to resolve the issue. The supervisor should listen to what the supervisee has to say and offer support and advice where needed.
1.2 Outline theories and models of professional supervision
• Psychotherapy-Based Supervision Models
Supervision started out in health and social care a bit like apprenticeships in other professions, where the apprentice learned from the experienced ‘master’. They would observe assist and receive feedback. It was thought that as the ‘master’ was good at their role they would be as good at supervising and training the apprentice.
Unit 127: Develop professional supervisio
