SWU and BNU to launch Reflective Supervision Guide

The Social Workers Union (SWU) and Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) are looking forwards to launching the Reflective Supervision: A Best Practice Guide on June 17th.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Reflective Supervision: A Best Practice Guide. This new resource builds on our research in “A Rapid Review of Reflective Supervision in Social Work” published in the British Journal of Social Work.

Across all of our surveys and research with social workers over the past 2 years, including 1-to-1 and group interviews, reflective supervision has been described as a key pillar of support for both social worker wellbeing and their practice. Previous working conditions research has demonstrated that effective supervision is also associated with higher job satisfaction, commitment to the organisation, and retention.

However, many social workers we spoke to confided that their experiences of supervision did not leave them feeling supported. Instead, it was often described as ad hoc, irregular, and a “tick box” exercise designed to keep an eye on case progression rather than to support and help develop them as social workers.

SWU and BNU have listened to and worked closely with social workers from across the UK to develop this new guide, driven by the clear need for a comprehensive approach to best practice in this crucial area.

If you are attending the BASW UK Conference then be sure to stop by the SWU stall and download your advanced copy of Reflective Supervision: A Best Practice Guide. If you’re not able to join us in Edinburgh though keep an eye on SWU’s social media on Wednesady June 19th!

Professor Jermaine Ravalier, Head of School of Health and Social Care Professions at Buckinghamshire New University, said:

“Reflective supervision is a key support mechanism in social work, and good supervision is good for social worker wellbeing and practice. However, we know that reflective supervision is often not done well in social work – it is sometimes a ‘tick box’ or performative, not necessarily designed to improve practice or support wellbeing.

“As such, over the last couple of years, SWU and Buckinghamshire New University have been working with social workers from across the country to co-develop Best Practice Reflective Supervision guidance. The guide we have developed therefore helps both the supervisor and social worker being supervised to run a good, developmental, and collaborative reflective supervision focused on individual social worker wellbeing and practice. We believe that using this model of supervision can really make a difference and are therefore proud to be able to present it to the social work community.”

SWU Executive Committee member Chrissie Beatty commented:

“As a social worker, I have experienced both good, and not so good, reflective supervision. Having regular protected time, with firm ground rules in place, allows social workers to critically reflect on their practice and explore the ‘whys’ and ‘so whats’, as well as the impact on their own wellbeing.

“With the ongoing challenges around retention and high levels of burnout, this Reflective Supervision Guide will be a pivotal tool in increasing the wellbeing of social workers and deepening the understanding of our practice.”

SWU General Secretary John McGowan highlighted:

“We know that reflective supervision can work well to develop best practice but what we have found as part of this study and creating the guide is that the quality, quantity and purpose of supervision can differ extensively. Therefore, it is paramount that you proactively reflect on your practice to help you gain insight into and think analytically and critically about your work. Supervision is essential to schedule dedicated time for this purpose.”