Different types of supervision

Learning Objectives

After watching this video, you should have a clearer understanding of the different kinds of supervision you are likely to experience as a social worker.

Supervision means different things in different contexts. In this video, the deputy manager of a mental health service, Alison, distinguishes between management and clinical supervision and explains the importance of professional, or clinical, supervision for developing practice. James, a social worker in the agency, talks about the value of having two supervisors to discuss his work with.

Download: Video transcript

Reflective Questions

  1. The video is strong on the benefits of separating management and professional supervision but what are the risks or disadvantages?
  2. Can you think of ways of ringfencing reflective supervision space in a situation where you only have access to management supervision?
  3. Would you prepare differently for management and professional supervision and, if so, how?
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