Clinical Supervision Resources 

What is Clinical Supervision? 

NHS England use CQC’s (2013) practice focused definition of clinical supervision: 
"An opportunity for healthcare practitioners to reflect on and review their clinical practice, discuss individual cases in depth and identify changes or modifications to practice which are required to maintain professional and public safety. It provides an opportunity to identify training and continuing development needs." 

Differences between Clinical Supervisor, Educational Supervisor and Line-Management 

It is important to recognise that clinical supervision is different to educational, managerial and administrative supervision in relation to an Allied Health Professional in GP Practice. 

Clinical Supervisor 

GP Practice Supervisor 

Ensures day to day safe patient care and management of workload 
Provides guidance and feedback in relation to the immediate clinical work 
Provides support for work- based assessments 
Provides feedback on progress 
Provide support when professionals fail to progress at expected rate 

Mentor 

Peer support 
Facilitates reflective learning through individual or group sessions 
Identifies and helps action and develop personal development plans 
A confidential provision except in event of serious safety issues 

Wellbeing 

Provides support as needed to prevent stress and burnout 
Listens to problems / issues 

Educational Supervisor 

Ensures effective learning experience 
Provides support in the initial and ongoing education plan 
Reviews progress with respect to learning pathway and assessments 

Line-Management 

Co-ordinates workload 
Ensures adequate supervision arrangements 
Assists practically for example with ledgers and room allocation 
Approves annual / study leave 
Manages sickness 
Conducts appraisals 
Manages performance 
Below you may will find links to resources and training, both for those already involved in clinical supervision and those developing an interest. 

Training 

e-Learning for Healthcare have an online learning programme titled ‘Supervision for multi-professional teams’ which is free to NHS professionals. 
 
Future learning do a series of free online courses aimed at healthcare professionals including ‘Clinical Supervision: Planning your personal development’ and ‘Clinical Supervision with Confidence.’ 
 
If looking after clinical pharmacists in general practice it is strongly recommended that you complete the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) clinical supervisor self-assessment and training workshops. 
 
Events will also be highlighted when available on our NATH Eventbrite site. 

General Resources 

New Roles 

Clinical Pharmacists 

 
Clinical supervisors for the ‘Primary care pharmacy education pathway’ is for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed as part of the NHS England primary care Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) additional roles reimbursement scheme. 
 
A Brief Guide to Improving Prescribing Competences for Structured Medication Reviews – guide for pharmacists who are already an independent prescriber and their supervisors 

Physician Associates (PAs) 

Multi-Professional Support Unit Logo

Multi-Professional Support Unit 

The Multi-Professional Support Unit (MPSU) delivers education activity which supports the professional development of our increasing and diverse primary care workforce. Part of the MPSU’s core function is to provide: