A wide range of staff can benefit from professional support and supervision. Work roles that include any of the features listed below are worth considering for this service.

• Frequent high stress situations
• High levels of conflict
• Frequent 'judgement calls' or 'professional' decisions
• Leadership or staff management
• Working very independently or in isolation
• High levels of contact with demanding clients

The primary role of professional supervision is to assist staff to reflect on their work. Creating a reflective approach encourages thoughtful and integrated work styles. It helps new staff grow into their roles, and more experienced staff to capitalise on their knowledge. Staff who keep learning from the work they do often feel more satisfied, more stimulated and more confident.

In some cases supervision has a component of coaching. In particular Relationship Services supervisors offer skills in interpersonal relationships. Supervision can help to develop staff skills in areas such as dealing with conflict, giving useful feedback, and communicating clear expectations.

Supervision also provides an independent and confidential context for staff to debrief, to manage their own responses to work situations, and to let go of work stresses.

Supervision is a means of supporting staff that also supports the quality of work in an organisation.

This kind of supervision is more like mentoring than line management.

If your organisation is interested in considering professional supervision for staff, talk to the Area Manager in your local relationship services office. You will find their contact details under Contact Us. If you are interested in a nationwide service contact one of our National Operations Managers through National Office.