Thank you to all those who joined the debate and contributed to such a lively and rich discussion. We are very happy to see our fast growing number of participants and the expanding range of professions and professionals involved in the debate (ranging from social work and social care to nursing, housing, health services, and including various organisations).
During and after the debate we noticed that many forgot to use the hashtag #SWSCmedia and therefore, their tweets were not seen by other participants. Please make sure you use the hashtag #SWSCmedia in all your tweets in relation to the debates or in relation to @SWSCmedia.
Summary of the Debate on Supervision (15 November 2011)
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
We would like to make a couple of important announcements before we begin our debate for tonight #SWSCmedia
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Firstly, our next debate is dedicated to: “Use & Application of eLearning & SocialMedia in #SocialWork & Socialcare Education” #SWSCmedia
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Secondly, We’ll soon begin new Live #TwitterDebates discussing specific #CaseStudies… We’ll announce details of this on 29 Nov. #SWSCmedia
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These new debates are in addition to our existing & ongoing debates & are aimed at practitioners, students & academics #SWSCmedia
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To discuss various actual #CaseStudies and to gain a better understanding of #SocialWork and #SocialCare practice in action #SWSCmedia
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Our debate this evening is about “Supervision: Concept, Content & Context” #SWSCmedia
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“ #Socialwork supervision is considered as one of the most important factors in determining job satisfaction levels of >>> #SWSCmedia
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>>> social workers and the quality of service to clients” Source@SCIE_socialcare
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So the First Question for the Evening is What is Supervision and what is its Concept? #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Sounds good. We need more of this, accessible to practioners. #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
What is Supervision in SocialWork & Social Care all abt? What is its use & function? Is it mangement tool? Is it to review cases? #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
If it is abt caseload then how can it be reflective? or is it about psychodynamic appoaches? what is your concept of supervision? #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Supervision should remain supervisory not erring in to realms of counselling. Caseloads should remain focus #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
My thoughts of supervision is to account for decisions made,check policies are being followed and enhance development@SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@SWSCmedia concept is to offer a check and balance to ensure that practitioners are adhering to codes of conduct & good practice #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Moo
@swscmedia Supervision is about sharing responsibility and it is a management function but also to allow for prof development #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
Ah but what about from a student perspective, there are most definitely power dynamics going on as well as learning?@SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@SWSCmedia my exp of student supervisions-they normally start in relation to my experience of practice and turns to actual case discussions
ailsamac2 ailsa macbean
@SWSCmedia is part of but only part of supporting robust governance
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Supervision in all professions shud b administrative (normative), educational (formative) and supportive (restorative) #swscmedia
ailsamac2 ailsa macbean
@Theresauno so do you think we should mix up different professions and hold joint supervision formative restorative normative elements
Ermintrude2 Moo
@ailsamac2 working in a multi-disciplinary team, I can say we have a lot to learn from other professionals #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Theresauno Excellent point… Can you explain further? & Is this what is actually happening in practice? #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Can be confirming, affirming, challenging so many different things. #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
Suppose so in the workplace but a different and inconsistent experience during use over placements? @BASW_UK@SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@ProfSocialWork @SWSCmedia For it to be meaningful it requires value to be seen by all involved. Need for supervision contracts? #swscmedia
GemmaAt_CMHCSWS Gemma Finnegan
@Ermintrude2 responsive supervision is a duty of care an employer has #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@bonklesoul @ProfSocialWork If there was a supervision contract what do you think should go into it? #swscmedia
Ovolactohippo David McFarlane
@SWSCmedia contract was not part of uni rules – over and above – setting out stall is important
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@bonklesoul @SWSCmedia agree – 3 weeks ago was the first time my manager intro supervision contracts
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia u should always have some supervision with someone who isn’t your manager they will always have their own agenda due to pressure
BASW_UK BASW
@bonklesoul @ProfSocialWork @SWSCmedia Absolutely agree with that! Sets both a safeguard as well as agreed expectations. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 also agree that #socialworkersneed to take responsiblity in supervision #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@Ermintrude2 Agreed! Authority is inherent in supervisors role – bt not always a bad thing. #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia @ProfSocialWork Roles and responsibilites, clear statement about what it is but also what it is not #swscmedia
AmandaClement1 Mandy Clement
@SWSCmedia @bonklesoul @ProfSocialWork I had a supervision contract in voluntary sector role it included duration, how often….
leat72 Lou
>>> Responsibility on both parts for supervision but when ur trying to discuss theories >> @SWSCmedia @bonklesoul@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia
leat72 Lou
>>> and get the reply that they have no place once you leave uni isn’t what u expect 2hear @SWSCmedia @bonklesoul@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@leat72 @SWSCmedia @bonklesoul @ProfSocialWork One student said why do we abandon the good practice required for students pq-ing? #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Excellent points… but, it begs the question then: What is & what should be the exact content of supervision? #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Ermintrude2 @leat72 One NQSW expressed exasperation of abandoment of agreements etc p-qualifying. #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Ermintrude2 @ProfSocialWork Do you think when supervision doesn’t work, #SocialWorkers can go higher up to complain/sort things? #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@ProfSocialWork Importance of accurate and agreed recording. Importance of data storage and decisions. All part of supervision #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
I would like consideration of the courses/conferences for time off to attend,SW need hours for re-registration.. @SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
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@ovolactohippo good points but please use hashtag #SWSCmedia
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@leat72 @ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @gemmaat_cmhcswsEveryone Please use hashtag #SWSCmedia
leat72 Lou
I’ve gone seeking my own mentors both in the placement and peers at uni it helps @ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2@gemmaat_cmhcsws #SWSCmedia
leat72 Lou
I was concerned that i would be labelled as trouble so decided to put up and shut up 
>> @SWSCmedia @Ermintrude2@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @gemmaat_cmhcsws It can but is all 2 individualised? you get gd sup if your manager is good at it #swscmedia
Birdman104
@vickydixon @profsocialwork@ermintrude2@gemmaat_cmhcsws how many sw managers are trained or suited for the role tho? #thepeterprinciple.
Ermintrude2 Moo
@SWSCmedia I’m lucky. I have fantastic managers but in the past, I have gone above my manager #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
It’s changed a lot in 25 years. It was a lot clearer once. As a snr manager often find I have to put back those boundaries back #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Ermintrude2 Good point. But, #SocialWork, specially statutory practice seems to be rigidly hierarchical, that can scare SWers #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@ProfSocialWork @swscmedia Yes Munro at least picked up on the importance of emotional content of the work. #swscmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@ProfSocialWork #swscmedia Alternatively, my team never shut up about feelings but theory to prac is another matter! No universal certs!
robertguzder robert guzder
#swscmedia is there anyone whose manager/supervisor isn’t a social worker? does this make a difference?
@robertguzder the issues are clinical guidance and supervisory oversight. We have a number of managers who are not social workers. #ausSW
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Theresauno Can supervision become counselling? & how can we incorporate couselling techniques in supervision for support? #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@NickBerbiers Has the supervision ethos changed inline with the more personalised/individualised prac? #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@vickydixon @ProfSocialWork Human nature to concentrate on strengths good supervision creates growth ernvironments #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia have had both health n social managers which is why we asked for parity with NHS n get clinical supervision where we pick who
BASW_UK BASW
@ProfSocialWork @swscmedia Sorry, should have said managers need support and training to do it well. Good leadership #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 agree but the problem is that it does not always work like that. some managers use their power in negative way #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 some managers dont want to document professional disagreeemtns in supervision & cal sw ‘difficult’ if insist #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Moo
@ProfSocialWork I would say when you tell your manager you have difficulties and document it, they take responsibility #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 @swscmedia interesting abt the sharing of responsibility as this depends on how supervision is done #swscmedia
@Ermintrude2Moo
@swscmedia Supervision is about sharing responsibility and it is a management function but also to allow for prof development #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Moo
@ProfSocialWork then go to your manager’s manager and tell them because that’s just shoddy. #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@ProfSocialWork Importance of accurate and agreed recording. Importance of data storage and decisions. All part of supervision #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@GeorgeJulian @Ermintrude2 Good point… But, w/ hierarchy, can a socialworker really complaint & not suffer its consequences? #SWSCmedia
@ProfSocialWorkFrom The Gut
Managers and sw have different powers on computer system #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sazzle
#SWSCmedia it’s an opportunity to reflect on decisions made?@SWSCmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@BASW_UK @ProfSocialWork @swscmedia BASW published a great book on supervision 198? Republish it! It was brilliant. #SWSCmedia
Is emotion covered in reflective models? i find models help me to separate out emotion to get to cause @BASW_UK@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@Ermintrude2 @444blackcat Makes me wonder if there is a diff between the absence rates in specialities taking account the diffs #swscmedia
GeorgeJulian GeorgeJulian
@vickydixon @nickberbiers do you think structured group supervision would help? #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@GeorgeJulian @vickydixon Great point @nickberbiers has written an excellent article here:swscmedia.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/the… #SWSCmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@ailsamac2 When employe in vol sector I supervised my volunteers n had supervision from excellent MH nurse! Also had S/W students.#swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@BASW_UK @swscmedia agree but it seems to me that very few managers do this training #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@NickBerbiers @ProfSocialWork We have also just published a supervision policy on website for all. one uni using on placement.#swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Do you think the various counselling & psychodynamic techniques are useful in supervision? If yes Why & how? if now why? #SWSCmedia
angelacampbel14angela campbell
@SWSCmedia ABC model , forces a situation to be looked at in a more analytical way.
angelacampbel14angela campbell
@angelacampbel14 @SWSCmediaSupervision for me has been a positive experience …… so far. No problems.
AmandaClement1 Mandy Clement
@Ermintrude2 @Theresauno @swscmedia I agree we have to think of the supervisor and the emotional stress on them as well #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sazzle
#SWSCmedia group supervision could be effective but opportunity for 1-2-1 shud still be available.
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@michelledalyliv Great point… but pls use the hashtage #swscmedia
Socialworkaunty
@Ermintrude2 @BASW_UK but sometimes confidence can only develop via good training&support, especially for those that may have a complex…
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@SocialWorkAunty @Ermintrude2 @BASW_UK Good point…
Birdman104
@BASW_UK @profsocialwork@swscmedia ’support, training and aptitude’. Mistake to assume everyone has the right stuff.
@BASW_UK @nickberbiers@profsocialwork tweeting at our work is a disciplinary matter! #tweetingforagencymonitors
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Birdman104 @BASW_UK @profsocialwork Good point but pls use the hashtag #swscmedia
@BASW_UK Yep. If I had £4m to spend across UK tomorrow, half on developing outcome measures half on better supervison training. #swscmedia
@NickBerbiers #swscmediarecruitment methods? Getting the right people critical first step. Can’t train aptitude. #thepeterprinciple
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
Don’t forget co-supervision model, and live supervision. Both very absent form SW these days. Bring them back I say #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@bonklesoul @NickBerbiers Aye, help to engage with literature & theory in digestable format. Too casual coffee/chat format 4 sum #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Sazzle35uk agree both group and 1-2-1 very important need to work hand in hand here but I think managers not confident 2 do grup #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
I’ve read your piece on supervision and is it ok to print and take to uni to show peers on Friday please? @NickBerbiers #SWSCmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@AmandaClement1 @Ermintrude2 @Sazzle35uk Yes, it has to be well facilitated, but one heck of a learning tool done well #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
Big problem is that some managers don’t like reflective and counselling models as it makes the feel uncomfortable #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
And i’m finding bad supervision a learning curve on how i manage with the minimum & who i can reach out2 @BASW_UK@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@ProfSocialWork @GeorgeJulian @nickberbiers there is a need for a formal structure in that way – hope the college can influence #swscmedia
ovolactohippo David McFarlane
@SWSCmedia I found strict structure to supervision v. helpful on placement. Supervisor-initiated supervision contract was key #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@ovolactohippo @SWSCmediaTotally agree! Supervisors need 2 b able 2 structure supervision and keep both parties focused. #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia In some settings could be more appropriate but again it’s a skill and could be open to abuse. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWorkFrom The Gut
@swscmedia what about the emotional toil? i do cp work & emotions never really talked about. maybe just my team? #swscmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@ProfSocialWork #swscmedia Alternatively, my team never shut up about feelings but theory to prac is another matter! No universal certs!
BASW_UK BASW
@ProfSocialWork @swscmedia Yes Munro at least picked up on the importance of emotional content of the work. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@BASW_UK @swscmedia yes but not happening at the moment how can this be incorporated in cp so managers feel confident #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@ProfSocialWork @swscmedia Sorry, should have said managers need support and training to do it well. Good leadership #swscmedia
@ProfSocialWork @swscmedia employers needs to agree standards for supervision incl emot content, vicarious trauma etc #swscmedia
ProfSocialWorkFrom The Gut
@BASW_UK @swscmedia agree but it seems to me that very few managers do this training#swscmedia
angelacampbel14angela campbell
@ProfSocialWork @BASW_UK@swscmedia structured group would show how reflection is used as some have no idea on how
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
10 Minutes left… In the last 10 minutes tell us a bit about your experiences of good and bad supervision… #SWSCmedia
lillieputianPhilippa
@SWSCmedia whilst on last placement had fantastic discussions about theories and how receiving sw support impacts on SU’s#swscmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
@GeorgeJulian @ProfSocialWork @nickberbiers Are social workers not programmed to prioritise everyone elses crisis over their own? #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@vickydixon @GeorgeJulian @ProfSocialWork @nickberbierssupervisor has responsibility to ‘check in’ with sw re: their wellbeing#swscmedia
sarahbrights Sarah
#swscmedia is there anyone whose manager/supervisor isn’t a social worker? does this make a difference?” Yes! No mngmt supervision for 4yrs
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@bonklesoul @Sazzle35uk @vickydixon That’s what is hoped. But it seems there are also extreme cases as indicated by@sarahbrights #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Last 5 minutes… Finaly thoughts on Supervision its concept & content & your good & bad experiences? #swscmedia
oneup_twodown Twinkle Twinkle
@Ermintrude2 @444blackcat in my MH role i get both clinical and operational supervision…v. good practice #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia doing intensive, crisis driven work, supervisor would tell us to take next day off if we were on brink of burnout.#swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sazzle
#SWSCmedia my supervisions consist of allocating tasks and challenging decisions made
AmandaClement1 Mandy Clement
#swscmedia I had very good supervision from manager, refused to allow my supevision to be taken by snr support worker (my choice)
GeorgeJulian GeorgeJulian
Have #socialwork ppl heard of Schwartz Rounds in healththeschwartzcenter.org/viewpage.aspx?… maybe useful for dealing w emotion #swscmedia via @amcunningham
robertguzder robert guzder
#swscmedia Good: case management, constructive mutual crit. Bad: v limited discussion of ethics, values, evidence-base. .
leat72 Lou
An opportunity to share knowledge both ways,check on good practice, share best practice, reassure work and person is doing ok.#SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Thank U Everyone for another rich & lively debate… Don’t forget our 29 Nov. debate on #SocialMedia & #SocialWork & #SocialCare #SWSCmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia The fundamental concern for all supervisors shud b the quality of service the supervisee is able to provide to S.U s #swscmedia
leat72 Lou
Best experience in dual diagnosis team when i felt valued and and equal eventhough i was learning felt i had something to offer #SWSCmedia
AmandaClement1 Mandy Clement
goodnight folks thanks for the debate at #swscmedia be back next time 
Sazzle35uk Sazzle
#SWSCmedia @Ermintrude2 I’m sure it’s operational pressures. Vol sector, small team, facing cuts and change
sarahbrights Sarah
@SWSCmedia @bonklesoul @sazzle35uk @vickydixon however we make sure we organise own group s’vis 2 SW & AMHP when we feel necessary
BASW_UK BASW
@robertguzder Worse was when a manager i felt was trying to ‘psyche’ me out. Nushra #swscmedia
michelledalyliv MichelleDaly6
Social workers have too much to cope with. The cuts are hard on them too! We must remember not to shoot the messengers.@SWSCmedia
michelledalyliv MichelleDaly6
I’m a full time carer to a special needs daughter. Anybody else in similar position? #learningdisabiltiy @SWSCmedia@NPSW @socialcareUK
CllrMcCllrSarahMcStravick
@michelledalyliv @Ermintrude2@SWSCmedia Honesty and Empathy are should be the backbone of social workers role!
@IndLiving You’re doing a great job! I look forward to swapping stories. 
@SWSCmedia @CarerWatch #learningdisabiltiy #amwriting
sarahbrights Sarah
@SWSCmedia @bonklesoul @sazzle35uk @vickydixon am seconded into nhs so different appraisal system aswell that’s not recognised within nhs!!!
swscmedia
Last 5 minutes… Finaly thoughts on Supervision its concept & content & your good & bad experiences? #swscmedia
lillieputian Philippa
@SWSCmedia in s.care s/vision was 2 cascade info, ask you 2 do overtime as a sw student focussed on learning & emotional welfare#swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@Theresauno @ermintrude2 @vickydixon @leat72@ProfSocialWork You’re welcome and we look forward to seeing you in our next debate…
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Thank-YOU for hosting another stimulating and thought provoking debate! Goodnight. T* #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Moo
@swscmedia thank you so much. Very interesting
leat72 Lou
Thanks everyone, i’ve got lots to think about and different ideas on how to manage how to use and manage supervision@SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@swscmedia thank you good discussion #swscmedia
vickydixon Pumpkin
thanks again everyone and @SWSCmedia - interesting info overload as always 
) #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@swscmedia my motto always learning so thanks every1 for points and challenges always trying to be better #swscmedia
DailyPlanUK Craig McCormick
@SWSCmedia Another interesting debate. I didn’t contribute but, as always, learned plenty and have food for thought.
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@DailyPlanUK Glad you enjoyed it… But, will be more enriching for us all if you join the debate… Hope you jump in next time…
