Reflective supervision is lacking, review finds

Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 4 October, 2023

Reflective supervision is lacking “in both quality and quantity” in social work across the UK, a study has found.

The warning comes from a rapid review of the current landscape published in the British Journal of Social Work which warned of “tick box” approaches and, in some cases, supervision not being carried out at all.

The review was carried out by the Social Workers Union (SWU) in collaboration with Bath Spa University, Ulster University and the University of Essex. It will be used to inform the creation of a supervision best practice guide for social workers and managers.

Authors of the rapid review said existing research suggests regulatory changes have led to “an over-expansion of administrative tasks and task-orientated organisational culture” negatively impacting on supervision.

A focus on accountability, case management, and meeting care requirements have resulted in “performance management” models of supervision rather than “recognising the needs of the staff”.

Reflection is often seen as an “optional extra” within supervision and a lack of training for managers reduces their “confidence and motivation” to deliver it.

Bath Spa University also followed up the review with one-to-one interviews with social workers about their experiences of supervision. 

One worker told the researchers: “I’ve been in a situation once where it was used as a tool to try and humiliate and control me. It’s hard when you’re in it, but it’s a really unhealthy and toxic culture where everything is performance-driven.”

Another said: “They just want to know about how many referrals have you dealt with this week, how many people have you got out the door.”

Others gave examples of how good supervision can make a difference to wellbeing. One social worker said: “You feel like you have shared problems with another safe pair of hands that you’re not alone, that you are not entirely responsible.” 

Another worker stressed supervision was vital to ensure safe and humane practice: “It is an imperative part of our practice not being oppressive. I think without it, it can become dangerous. Our practice could become authoritative, value-led rather than actually considering the needs of the child.”

The review’s authors said: “Effective supervision encourages an atmosphere of trust and a feeling of peer support.”

It said an “open door policy” allows social workers to benefit from a more “needs-based supervision”.

The importance of group case discussions to promote “reflexivity” was also highlighted.

Reflective supervision could also benefit service users through workers self-assessing the service they provide resulting in “more productive” relationships.

John McGowan, general secretary of the Social Workers Union, said: “Common feedback from members indicates that the majority of supervision is ad hoc and irregular and not fit for the social work task. 

“More significantly, feedback has highlighted that it often does not include a discussion linked to reflection, learning and development and is reduced to a process of case management. 

“It is important to note that our previous working conditions research has demonstrated that effective supervision is associated with higher job satisfaction, commitment to the organisation and staff retention.”

Researchers at Bath Spa University now plan to conduct group interviews with social workers to further inform the best practice guidance. They will be led by Jermaine Ravalier, a professor in organisational psychology and social justice.