Supervision

Introduction to Professional Supervision for HSCPs

The HSE Health and Social Care Professions Office has developed an online module to provide training in the core elements of a generic programme in supervision while acknowledging the many different models of supervision. A small group of subject matter experts worked on the development of the eLearning module. The elearning module takes about an hour to complete. 

To access the module you will need to first login to HSELAND. You do not need to work for the HSE to sign up for HSEland - all social workers can create an account.

1. Click on 'My learning' 
2. Click on 'Learning catalogues'
3. Scroll down to the section for HSCPS, click on it and options will open up
4. There are two professional supervision modules; Professional Supervision for HSCPS is the module developed by the HSCP Office. 

The HSCP Office has also developed a four day Professional Supervision Training Programme for HSCP Supervisors which will start in Autumn 2018. 

CORU Registration and Professional Supervision

The following information has been compiled to address recent queries raised by IASW members about the implications of CORU registration for professional supervision.

1) Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Social Workers

• The Social Work Registration Board at CORU published the "Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Social Workers" in 2011.
• Statutory registration requires social workers to comply with this Code.
• Failure to comply could result in a complaint of professional misconduct.
• In relation to supervision the Code states:

"You should seek and engage in supervision in professional practice on an on-going and regular basis."
“You must seek support and assistance from your employer if you do not feel competent to carry out any aspect of your work or if you are unsure how to proceed in a work matter".

2) Standard and Requirements for Continuing Professional Development

• The Social Workers Registration Board at CORU published the "Standard and Requirements for Continuing Professional Development" in March 2015.
• This document sets out the specific requirements for social work CPD.
• In relation to supervision, the "Standard and Requirements for Continuing Professional Development" lists supervision as one of a number of potential learning activities through which the registered social worker can complete CPD credits.

3) IASW Position in Relation to Professional Supervision

• Although current CPD requirements for CORU can be met without referring to supervision, the IASW recommends that a minimum of 10 CPD credits in each 12 month cycle are for learning activities related to supervision.
• The IASW also recommends that professional supervision for social workers is provided by social workers equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality supervision. 

Private Supervision

The IASW is aware that some social workers do not have access to supervision from a suitably qualified social worker and so need to seek supervision from outside their agency. Hence the IASW offers guidance for social workers in relation to private supervision. The guidance document was reviewed in November 2015 and is available to download from this page. 

Social workers interested in being listed need to provide the office with a short description of their work and supervision experience along with contact details, CORU number and their hourly fee. Please e-mail any queries to office@iasw.ie  

DISCLAIMER: The IASW does not take responsibility for the quality or actions of a supervisor. The IASW reserves the right not to place a supervisor on, or remove a supervisor from, the supervisors list.