Margaret Morrell Social Worker WHAT DO OUR SUPERVISORS

Margaret Morrell Social Worker WHAT DO OUR SUPERVISORS AND SUPERVISEES DESERVE NOW? Issues arising from 4 years as a travelling supervision trainer in Australia

What do our supervisors and supervisees deserve now? Issues arising from four years as a travelling supervision trainer in Australia Margaret Morrell

What I’ve been doing: n Supervisor training n n n 2 or 3 day initial workshop 2 or 3 day follow up workshop How to get the Best from your Supervision n I day for supervisees

People who work with people NEED DESERVE Quality Supervision

Quality supervision provides: Regular, protected time for facilitated, in-depth reflection Bond, M. and Holland, S. (1998) Skills of clinical Supervision for Nurses

A safe, trusting partnership where supervisees feel: n Cared for So they can manage the demands of the ever more challenging and complex issues in the workplace without burning out

Where supervisees feel: n Supported and en-courage-ed (Anthea Millar) To become the best practitioner they can possibly be In Henderson, P. (2009) Supervisor Training. Issues & Approaches. Karnac Books

And where supervisees feel: n n Extended and stretched And Safe to disclose their dilemmas and disappointments

Quality supervision is purposeful and productive Quality supervision brings results, for supervisees, for their clients, and for their organisations Swain

I have seen…… n Thirst for learning about supervision. n Willingness to change and try new ideas n Transformed practice in supervision

I have seen growing recognition of: n n n The importance, and complexity, of the supervisor’s role The value of training in the skills a supervisor needs The value of training practitioners (supervisees) about supervision

I have seen participants grappling with issues like: n n How can we provide this type of supervision in a line-management context? What are the pros & cons of external supervision? (& who should pay for it? )

Issues to grapple with n n What documentation should we keep? How do we create a climate where supervisees feel safe to disclose their dilemmas and be clear about our responsibility to report when necessary?

n n How can we prioritise quality supervision in the busy work environment of today? How do we reconcile organisational supervision contracts with the idea of an individually negotiated agreement?

CHALLENGES AHEAD

1. Involve managers To increase their understanding of, and commitment to supervision and supervision training. n By providing specific training for people at management level OR n By inviting managers to attend supervisor training

2) Evaluate the training a) b) c) d) 4 levels of evaluation - (Kirkpatrick) Reaction Learning Behaviour Results Seven Keys to Unlock the Four Levels of Evaluation. Kirkpatrick. Performance Improvement; Aug 2006; 45, 7;

a) Reaction Questionnaire completed by participants at end of training n Must be: n anonymous, n clear structured questions, n strong invitation to be honest

b) Learning “Reflection is a wonderful way to grow and develop, but you can’t reflect on what you’re not aware of” n n Assignment? Observed practice? Cal Stoltenberg: Evidence-based Supervision. University of Buffalo Podcast

c) Behaviour change n n n Follow up interview or questionnaire? Interview supervisees to assess level of change? Follow up questionnaire for participants on “How to get the best from your supervision? ”

Have the following changed since doing the workshop? Understanding of your role as a supervisee 93% The power balance in your supervision relationship 76% Ability to give feedback to your supervisor 76%

d) Effect on workplace Assessment of impact on workplace morale, sick and stress leave, worker wellbeing How could this be done? A challenge………. .

3. Follow up training and support for supervisors n n n Further training Supervisors’ forums - discussion & practice groups Supervision of supervision – by a supervisor with same training

4) Training for supervisees early in their career to: n Provide information about the purpose and nature of quality supervision n Empower supervisees to ask for what they need and deserve from supervision n Assist supervisees to be active in, and get the most out of their sessions