Research exploring supervision across a number of different professions (including practitioner psychologists) suggests that, while evaluation of supervision is seen as essential, it is difficult to carry out in practice and therefore often does not take place.
It seems that when it does happen, the focus is often on assessing the effectiveness of the supervisor in providing support, or the developing practice of the supervisee, rather than whether the supervisory alliance is working well for both parties.
Project focus
A tool has been developed to promote reflection on the sense of psychological safety each person has within the supervisory alliance so both parties can engage with authenticity, candour and honesty.
How you can participate
We are asking for EPs to trial using the tool within supervision and then to complete a short survey (which should take no more than 15 minutes).
Please contact Anita or Ruth for a copy of the tool.
To use the tool in in its entirety takes around 45-60 minutes but it is designed so that you can “dip in” and only reflect on items you feel are particularly pertinent at present. You can respond to the survey even if you have only used certain aspects of the tool.
Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw from the survey at any time before submitting your responses, without giving a reason, and your responses will be discarded.
If you would also be interested in taking part in a 30 minute online focus group which will be taking place in February 2026, you can provide your contact details in the survey and we will be in touch with more information. The survey will close at the end of January 2026.
Researchers
Dr Anita Soni and Dr Ruth Hewett, University of Birmingham
Ethical approval has been granted by University of Birmingham ethics committee.
