12.4 Supervision and Management of Staff

Working to ensure children are protected from harm requires sound professional judgements to be made. It is demanding work that can be distressing and stressful. All of those involved should have access to advice and support from, for example, peers, managers, named and designated professionals.

Those providing supervision should be trained in supervision skills and have an up to date knowledge of the legislation, policy and research relevant to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

For many practitioners involved in day-to-day work with children and families, effective supervision is important to promote good standards of practice and to supporting individual staff members. The arrangements for how supervision is organised and delivered will vary from agency to agency but there are some key essential elements. It should:

• Help to ensure that practice is soundly based and consistent with LSCB and organisational procedures;
• Ensure that practitioners fully understand their roles, responsibilities and the scope of their professional discretion and authority; and
• Help identify the training and development needs of practitioners, so that each has the skills to provide an effective service.

Good quality supervision can help to:

• Avoid drift;
• Keep a focus on the child;
• Maintain a degree of objectivity and challenge fixed views;
• Test and assess the evidence base for assessment and decisions; and
• Address the emotional impact of work.