Best Practice in Professional Supervision

This is an important book for supervision practice and professional helping more generally.

The authors manage to provide a holistic view of professional supervision, taking the reader on a journey that not only describes the start, but also manages to call at many stations en route; ably referring to previous theories and researchers by using their collective expertise and research to keep the passengers interested... This is not an easy or quick read, but a helpful reminder to stop and reflect. It is a book that should be dipped into as guidance and will support many in the helping professions.

Drawing on their wealth of experience as academics in the field and also from their considerable knowledge in social work practice, Davys and Beddoe have written an authoritative and accessible text book for new supervisors and those studying for qualifications in supervision and management for helping professions. As such, it fills a gap in the literature between purely theoretical works and those which are most general self-help guides and addresses the unique elements of supervision that present themselves to those working with complex human problems. It is its unique approach to developing a reflective learning model to supervision which readers will find beneficial in improving their practice.

This book is a welcomed contribution to the literature, I would recommend it to any manager of practice in the helping professions seeking to create a learning environment in supervision where best practice is emphasised. I have used the material within my teaching and strongly recommend it to my students learning about best practice in supervision.

This guide provides a new in-depth overview and analysis of a very well-known concept: professional supervision... The authors manage to provide a holistic view of professional supervision, taking the reader on a journey that not only describes the start, but also manages to call at many stations en route; ably referring to previous theories and researchers by using their collective expertise and research to keep the passengers interested. This approach is reflected in the authors' own infectious enthusiasm. They describe their research into supervision as the result of a request that led to them becoming captivated in the process. Their stance, an apparently honest reflection of their own continuous learning, is reflected in their assertion that 'at the heart of all practice is the ability to assess, reflect, adapt and respond' (p. 21). This does not mean that other matters influencing supervision today are ignored; for example, issues of accountability, the need for 'reporting' on agreed criteria, and other task-]related activities are explored and set in context. The recognition that systems of accountability and our risk]averse society can dominate the supervision dialogue is critiqued in a constructive manner... There are interesting observations on 'culturally safe' supervision that incorporates indigenous values and highlights that we should not assume that all our perceptions come from a similar value base. These are features to be aware of but are often overlooked in today's multicultural society. The need to ensure that supervision is adaptable to meet needs is further reflected in the acknowledgement of learning and workplace cultures, from 'crisis driven' environments to 'workaholic' manager role models and the impact of these on practitioners. The authors provide informed comment, and throughout the book also supply helpful targeted tables for reflection and self]analysis, tools that are transferable to any organisation. Known concepts such as the supervision contract are highlighted in this book, with emphasis not only on regular reviewing of the contract, but on its use when closing or ending the supervisory relationship. A helpful addition to previous work on supervision is the chapter addressing how individual supervisors can further develop their skills in critical reflection... This is not an easy or quick read, but a helpful reminder to stop and reflect. It is a book that should be dipped into as guidance and will support many in the helping professions.

It draws on a wealth of research and practice that makes it an excellent resource for counsellors and other professionals using supervision, and it is very informative about a wide range of supervisory contexts in health and social care... One of the book's strengths is the considerable number of vignettes to illustrate good practice. Another is the amount of research drawn upon, much of it from beyond the UK, which introduces new perspectives... This book would be a good resource for those training to be a supervisor, practising supervisors and trainers in a range of professions. It is especially valuable for those who like to be up to date with research across a wider field.

This book is just what the profession of social work needs - a fresh look at supervision for the 21st century.

A rich resource from two very experienced and knowledgeable practitioners who have successfully navigated the latest research and thinking about supervision, and presented it in a very readable form.