Effective supervision in a variety of settings

The foundations of effective supervision practice

Good or effective supervision is delivered by effective supervisors, but what does an effective supervisor look like?

The Skills for Care/Children’s Workforce Development Council guide [17] was the first national guide for supervisors in social care and sets out, on the basis of practice knowledge, the competencies required for effective supervisors. Current research and practice evidence suggests that effective supervisors are those who have the required clinical and expert knowledge to assist supervisees in their work, provide emotional support and who have the qualities to develop positive working relationships.

In this section we begin by considering practice that might support the development of a positive supervisory relationship, since it could be argued that without such a relationship other aspects of the role are likely to be less successful.

Suggested resources

• Care skillsbase (Supervising staff) (SCIE)
• Guidance, consultation and supervision (Scottish Government)
• Knowledge and skills for child and family social work (DfE, 2014)
• Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in Adult Services (DH, 2015)
• Leading practice (Section 11: Supervision) (SCIE)
• Supervising and appraising well: a guide to effective supervision and appraisal (Care Council for Wales)
• The standards for employers and supervision framework (Reform Board/LGA)
• Supervision policy, standards, and criteria (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland)
• Supporting information and guidance: Supporting effective clinical supervision (Care Quality Commission 2013)
• Step into Leadership, Scottish Social Services Council