About clinical supervision
Clinical supervision is a term used to describe a formal process of professional support and learning.
What is it?
It enables skilled supervisors and practitioners to come together and reflect upon their practice, develop knowledge and competence, and assume responsibility for their own practice.
The NMC, ACHP and CQC all recognise the value of clinical supervision to support reflective professional practice
What is the purpose?
The aim of clinical supervision is to provide a safe and confidential environment for staff to reflect on and discuss their work and their personal and professional response to their work. The focus is on supporting staff in their personal and professional development and in reflecting on their practice.
It is a regulatory requirement to ensure that clinical staff receive appropriate ongoing or periodic supervision in their role to make sure competence is maintained. All care professionals should have access to clinical or professional supervision as required.
How does it work?
We are delivering clinical supervision on a one-to-one basis for all Band 8 and Band 7 nursing staff. Band 6 and Band 5 staff have access to training and supervision via the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) programme.
Until March 2024, all eligible staff can benefit from two 'one-to-one' sessions with their supervisors, each lasting for one hour.
All supervision is delivered virtually via MS Teams.
“Thank you for helping me raise my awareness of the challenges I face and how I can develop my abilities to support and impact on my department.”
“This is so helpful and I feel validated and valued.”
“I came away from the session with a spring in my step.”
“It was lovely to see a smiling face and be listened to.”
Want to see more?…
We’ve put together a short animated film clip to share more about the clinical supervision work to date at West Herts.
Why we have reintroduced clinical supervision at West Herts
In order to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of our non-medical registered clinical workforce and to support recruitment and retention, we are reviewing and refreshing our provision of clinical supervision.
We are working with NHS Elect to design and deliver a clinical supervision system.
We will take a QI approach throughout the work programme, seeking to improve delivery of clinical supervision and the experience of staff accessing the service throughout the 12-month period.
“Effective systems of clinical supervision can bring benefits not only to practitioners but also to the organisation and its clients.”
— Meg Bond, Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts