Clinical supervision policy - AFT

These guidelines are broadly drawn for application to a variety of supervision contexts. They
can be supplemented by local protocols and procedures where, for example; the supervisor
is the supervisee’s line manager, the supervisor works in the same organisation, or the
supervisor is externally contracted.
In the event of a complaint; the organisation or individual practitioner should use the
complaints policy as appropriate.
Guidelines for supervision contracts
• the context of supervision ('line management', consultation external to the employing
organisation, etc.)
• regularity and timing of supervision
• cancellations
• cost and arrangements for payment
• which parts of the supervisee's working life are, and are not, included within the
scope of the contract
• recording of supervision
• confidentiality
• all forms of dual relationship
• management of concerns about clinical risk and quality of clinical practice
• learning and/or support needs that the supervisee feels need particular attention
• areas in which the supervisor may feel less competent, and might advise that the
supervisee seeks alternate sources of consultation
• whether and how the self of the supervisor and the self of the supervisee can be
discussed
• how the supervisory relationship itself can be discussed
• timing of a review of the contract
• Agree a third party that can be called upon if the supervisory relationship were to get
into difficulty
Supervisee Responsibilities
• To actively address issues of power and difference in therapeutic relationships and in
the supervisory relationship.
• To participate in creating the supervision contract.
• To prepare for supervision by identifying good practice, practice dilemmas, areas of
difficulty and by reflecting on the personal impact of practice.
• To agree an agenda for each session with the supervisor
• To use the supervision sessions constructively to enhance their learning and
practice, by being open to discussion, co-creation of ideas, and constructive
feedback.
• To maintain professional standards of confidentiality.
• To ensure issues of ‘risk’ pertaining to specific clients are actively considered.
• To openly address difficulties that may arise in the relationship at an early stage.
• To ensure their practice is consistent with professional codes of practice and ethical
guidelines for clinicians.
Supervisor Responsibilities
• To actively address issues of power and difference in therapeutic
relationships and in the supervisory relationship.
11 February 2011