Supervision Policy
Introduction:
The purpose of this Policy is for Space 2B You to set out clinical supervision guidelines and expectations informed by relevant Professional Bodies and legal requirements. Space 2B You expect all clinicians to follow their Professional Bodies Guidelines and Ethical Frameworks.
Clinical supervision provides clinicians with the opportunity to explore and reflect in depth on clinical practice, therefore, enabling clinicians to maintain good practice and ensure they are working in an ethical, safe and effect way. Clinical supervision also provides clinicians the space to engage in self and relational reflectivity in which to further develop clinical practice.
Clinical supervision’s primary focus is on clinical practice, however, if personal issues are having a direct impact, it is important to explore this further. If personal issues are of significant concern the supervisee should consider accesses further supporting including personal therapy.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework defines supervision as:
"A specialised form of mentoring provided for practitioners responsible for undertaking challenging work with people. Supervision is provided to ensure standards, enhance quality, advance learning, stimulate creativity, and support the sustainability and resilience of the work being undertaken."
Objective:
Space 2B You are committed to providing the highest standard of service to all clients and will therefore ensure clinicians engage in regular supervision in line with relevant Professional Bodies Guidelines and Ethical Frameworks. Therefore, Space 2B You will provide several 1-and-a-half-hour group supervision sessions per month, in addition to individual line management and supervision meetings. Clinicians are required to access supervision to ensure they meet the requirements of their Professional Bodies. Clinicians needs will be reflected in their individual contracts. (Appendix 1).
BACP, BABCP, AFT advise a minimum of 1 and half hours of supervision per month.
Scope:
This policy applies to all clinicians working with Space 2B You. Therefore, all clinicians should follow this Supervision Policy and their own Professional Bodies Guidelines and Ethical Frameworks.
Policy Statement:
Space 2B You are committed to providing the highest standard of service to all clients. Space 2B You therefore fully support the provision of clinical supervision. The purpose of this policy is to establish an understanding and commitment to clinical supervision for staff working within clinical practice. Therefore, Space 2B You expect all staff members working in clinical practice to engage in their agreed contracted hours of supervision.
Policy:
All clinical staff must attend clinical supervision as agreed in their supervision contract.
Space 2B You offer group systemic supervision several times a month for one and a half hours. This is paid for by Space 2B You.
If clinicians are unable to attend supervision, they must ensure alternative supervision is arranged internally or externally and to inform the Directors via email.
Items for the agenda must be submitted 24hrs prior to supervision. Submitted Information will include any identified risk, supervision question and time needed for discussion.
Clinicians must arrive on time. If staff are only attending the last 45mins they must inform the supervisor
Clinicians must bring each client at least once to supervision.
Risk cases rated 1-3 must be brought and discussed in supervision.
Clinicians must discuss client mid therapy reviews, for example when a case reaches 5/6 sessions it will be discussed in supervision to assess whether 10 sessions are required.
Supervisor will ensure notes are being documented correctly on the supervision spreadsheet.
Clinicians to ensure supervision is recorded on the client notes on note keeping system.
If clinicians have safeguarding concerns, they must follow the safeguarding procedure and inform the directors and take the case to supervision.
The clinical supervisor must be suitably qualified and experienced.
Procedure:
Clinical supervision requires the supervisees to actively engage in the process, take responsibility for the maintenance and administrative requirements.
Space 2B You are committed to best practice and encourage a contract between supervisor and supervisee, as this:
a) promotes trust between supervisor and supervisee.
b) promotes structure and collaboration.
c) ensures professional boundaries are established by outlining the developmental, professional and legal functions of clinical supervision.
Responsibilities of the supervisee:
Clinicians are required to attend their agreed commitment to Space 2B You supervision.
If clinicians are unable to attend group supervision, they must ensure alternative supervision is arranged internally or externally and to inform the supervisor.
If the supervision is arranged internally and the Clinician is unable to attend, they must inform the supervisor no less than 48hrs prior. If there is less than 48hrs notice the Clinician will be required to pay the supervision fee.
Items for the agenda must be submitted 24hrs prior to supervision. Submitted Information will include any identified risk, supervision question and time needed for discussion.
Clinicians must arrive on time. If staff are only attending the last 45mins they must inform the supervisor.
Clinicians must bring each client at least once to supervision.
Risk cases rated 1-3 must be brought and discussed in supervision.
Clinicians must discuss client mid therapy reviews, for example when a case reaches 5/6 sessions it will be discussed in supervision to assess whether 10 sessions are required.
Ensure they have read the clinical supervision policy.
Ensure that no personal identifiable information is disclosed.
Ensure they follow their Professional Bodies Ethical Framework.
Responsibility to be open and honest in supervision and to draw attention to any significant difficulties or challenges that they may be facing in their work with clients.
Responsibilities of the supervisor:
Provide clinical supervision following Professional Bodies Ethical Framework.
An understanding of confidentiality requirements and when it is appropriate to be breached. Including sufficient concerns relating to a supervisee’s practice, safeguarding issues and child protection.
An understanding of Space 2B You policies that inform the work of the supervisee.
Emulate expected levels of competence and professionalism, relationship building and the management of personal boundaries.
Consider legal requirements.
Ensure notes are being documented correctly on the supervision spreadsheet.
Provide opportunities for supervisees to discuss their practice without unjustified criticism and to support their supervisees in taking positive actions to resolve difficulties.
Responsibilities of Space 2B You:
Ensure the clinical supervision policy and procedures are relevant, appropriate and up to date.
Ensure all clinical staff are aware of the clinical supervision policy and procedures.
Ensure all clinical staff have access to clinical supervision.
Ensure all clinical supervisors adhere to the application process.
Review and evaluate clinical supervision.
Review and Evaluation:
Space 2B You are committed to ensuring they provide the most appropriate supervision where staff can explore clinical practice, engage in self and relational reflectivity and further develop skills. Therefore, following good practice Space 2B You will regularly engage in an evaluation and review process and staff will be ask staff for constructive and honest feedback.
Confidentiality:
Clinical supervision is a semi confidential environment. In most circumstances confidentiality should never be broken without informing the supervisee first and encouraging them to tell whoever needs to know. However, in some situations Space 2B You and supervisors may be required to pass on information that the supervisees may wish to maintain confidential (practice concerns, safeguarding and child protection). All communications during supervision regarding clients will be consistent with confidentiality agreements and polices.
Data Security and Protection:
Personal identifying Information concerning clients or staff is strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any unauthorised persons. This obligation shall continue in perpetuity.
Disciplinary Action
Breach of this Policy may result in disciplinary action.
Contact Details
If staff members have any concerns, please contact Space 2B You directors Marie-Anne McKee and Alison Joyce.
Telephone:
020 3048 3331 (ext. 301)
Email:
www.barbara.johnston@space2byou.co.uk
alison.joyce@space2byou.co.uk
marie-anne.mckee@space2byou.co.uk
Dennis.neill@space2byou.co.uk