NA77-Clinical Supervision Framework Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Clinical Supervision Framework Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, structured, and effective Clinical Supervision Framework for {{org_field_name}}. The policy is designed to ensure that all registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and other clinical staff working under the agency receive appropriate, regular, and meaningful clinical supervision to support safe, high-quality, person-centred care in line with the latest regulatory requirements and best practice. Clinical supervision is fundamental to professional accountability, reflective practice, safe decision-making, and continuous professional development. This framework aims to safeguard service users, develop the competence of staff, and provide structured professional support to all staff involved in clinical practice. This policy is fully compliant with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the NMC Code (for registered nurses), Skills for Care guidance, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and temporary healthcare staff supplied by {{org_field_name}} to client organisations, including care homes, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. All directors and any appointed clinical supervisors within {{org_field_name}}. The clinical supervision of all staff engaged in delivering or supporting clinical and personal care activities on behalf of {{org_field_name}}.

3. Related Policies

Supervision, Appraisal, and Reflective Practice Policy – Training and Development Policy – Code of Conduct – Safeguarding Adults Policy – Whistleblowing Policy – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy – Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting clinical supervision as a formal process that supports professional development, reflective practice, and improved outcomes for service users. Clinical supervision provides a confidential, structured, and supportive space where staff can reflect on their clinical practice, discuss challenges, and receive guidance to improve skills, confidence, and competence. It is not solely performance management but a development-focused approach which complements other support mechanisms such as line management supervision, appraisals, and training.

5. Responsibilities

Directors The directors of {{org_field_name}} are responsible for: Designing and implementing the Clinical Supervision Framework. Ensuring that all staff understand the purpose and processes of clinical supervision. Acting as clinical supervisors or appointing suitably qualified supervisors where appropriate. Ensuring all staff are provided with access to regular clinical supervision opportunities. Monitoring compliance with this framework and auditing its effectiveness. Reviewing and updating this policy annually or sooner if legislation or best practice guidance changes.

Clinical Supervisors Clinical supervisors are responsible for: Facilitating effective clinical supervision sessions. Supporting staff to reflect on clinical practice and decision-making. Identifying learning and development needs. Promoting safe, effective, and person-centred care. Maintaining appropriate records of clinical supervision sessions in line with confidentiality guidelines. Reporting concerns to the directors where required.

Temporary Agency Staff All temporary staff are responsible for: Engaging actively with clinical supervision sessions. Reflecting honestly on their practice, performance, and learning needs. Applying learning gained from clinical supervision into daily care practice. Seeking clinical supervision when required, especially after critical incidents, challenging placements, or at the request of the director.

6. Principles of Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision within {{org_field_name}} is based on the following principles: It is a professional, supportive, and collaborative process. It focuses on reflection, learning, and professional development. It helps maintain safe and effective care delivery. It supports staff to maintain professional codes of practice (e.g., NMC Code). It is confidential, except where safeguarding, safety, or legal obligations require information to be shared. It is separate from formal disciplinary or grievance processes but may inform additional support needs.

7. Frequency of Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision will be provided to: All agency nurses and healthcare assistants at least annually, even if on zero-hours contracts. Newly recruited staff within 3 months of their first placement. Any staff member returning after a break of more than 6 months. Staff involved in incidents, complaints, or complex placements may be offered additional or ad-hoc clinical supervision. Where placements offer supervision through their own systems, {{org_field_name}} will ensure that this is documented and complements agency-led supervision.

8. Methods of Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision may be delivered through: One-to-one sessions between the supervisor and the staff member. Group supervision, where suitable and agreed, particularly for healthcare assistants. Remote supervision (via telephone or video conferencing) when face-to-face is not feasible. Reflective debriefs following incidents or challenging situations. A combination of the above as appropriate to the circumstances and staff member’s role.

9. Structure of Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision will follow a structured format, including: Review of current role, placements, and workload. Reflection on recent experiences, including challenges, dilemmas, and successes. Review of professional conduct, compliance with the NMC Code (for nurses) or Care Certificate standards (for unregistered workers). Discussion of safeguarding, clinical governance, and best practice issues. Identification of learning needs and planning of development goals. Review of wellbeing and work-life balance. Summary of agreed actions and next steps.

10. Reflective Practice in Clinical Supervision

Staff will be encouraged to: Use reflective models (e.g., Gibbs Reflective Cycle, Johns’ Model of Reflection) to examine their experiences and learning. Identify what went well, areas for improvement, and how learning will be applied to future practice. Share reflections confidentially and without fear of judgement.

11. Confidentiality in Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision discussions are confidential between the supervisor and supervisee, except when: There is a safeguarding concern. There is a risk to the health and safety of service users, staff, or others. The discussion reveals professional misconduct or breach of the NMC Code or other relevant codes of practice. Disclosure is required by law or regulation. Any information shared outside of the supervision session will be done sensitively and in line with data protection and safeguarding principles.

12. Documentation

Supervision records will include: Date and type of supervision (planned or ad-hoc). Summary of issues discussed (without breaching confidentiality). Agreed actions, learning objectives, and timescales. Supervisor and supervisee signatures. Records will be stored securely and retained in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and agency confidentiality procedures.

13. Link to Appraisal and Training

Clinical supervision outcomes will contribute to: The annual appraisal process. Identification of training needs. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans. Placement suitability assessments. Individual support plans where needed.

14. Support for Clinical Supervisors

{{org_field_name}} will ensure that clinical supervisors: Are competent, confident, and suitably trained. Receive supervision themselves to ensure accountability and support. Have access to relevant learning and development relating to clinical supervision skills.

15. Addressing Non-Engagement or Concerns

If a staff member does not engage with clinical supervision: The reasons will be explored by the supervisor or director. Support and flexibility will be offered to facilitate engagement. Non-engagement without valid reason may result in reduced placement opportunities as clinical supervision is an expected part of professional development. If supervision identifies serious concerns about competence, conduct, or safety: A formal action plan may be put in place. Additional training or support may be provided. Referral to the Disciplinary Policy, Safeguarding Procedures, or NMC Fitness to Practise processes may be initiated where appropriate.

16. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

All clinical supervision will be delivered: Without discrimination, bias, or prejudice. In an environment that values and respects diversity. With reasonable adjustments made for staff who have disabilities or other support needs. In line with {{org_field_name}}’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

17. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

The directors will: Monitor supervision records and completion rates. Seek feedback from staff about the usefulness and accessibility of clinical supervision. Review and improve the clinical supervision process based on audits, feedback, and incidents. Ensure clinical supervision contributes to continuous improvement in the quality and safety of care provided by agency staff.

18. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or earlier if: Changes occur in legislation, regulatory requirements, or best practice. Feedback from staff or clients indicates improvement is needed. Lessons learned from incidents, complaints, or audits identify gaps in the existing framework.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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