This course explains the different kinds of supervision used in UK healthcare, how to set up a supervisory relationship that works, and how to give structured feedback that changes practice. It includes worked feedback conversations using established models, guidance on supporting a learner in difficulty, and a case study of a supervision that nearly went wrong.
What you will learn
- Distinguish between educational, clinical, practice-based and restorative supervision and describe the supervisor's responsibilities in your profession.
- Use Proctor's model to plan supervision that balances normative, formative and restorative functions.
- Set up a supervisory relationship with clear expectations, a learning agreement and agreed review points.
- Give structured feedback using the Pendleton, SET-GO and R2C2 models, choosing the approach to suit the learner and setting.
- Recognise early signs that a learner is in difficulty and take proportionate, documented action using local processes.
Course content
- What supervision means in healthcare (2 min)
- Models of supervision (2 min)
- Setting up the supervisory relationship (2 min)
- Principles of effective feedback (2 min)
- Feedback models in practice (4 min)
- Supporting a learner in difficulty (3 min)
- Case study: a supervision that nearly went wrong (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Promoting excellence: standards for medical education and training, and the recognition and approval of trainers
- NMC: Standards for student supervision and assessment (part of Realising professionalism: standards for education and training)
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including sharing skills and supporting students and colleagues
- HCPC: Standards of education and training, including the standards on practice-based learning, and Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024)
- GPhC: Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists, including the role of designated supervisors
- NHS England: A-EQUIP model for professional midwifery advocates and the Professional Nurse Advocate programme
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
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Teaching Skills for Doctors and Nurses: Practical Methods That Work
Practical teaching skills for doctors and nurses: learning outcomes, the one-minute preceptor, SNAPPS, Peyton's four steps, and bedside and group teaching.
Giving Feedback in Clinical Supervision: Pendleton and Other Models
Pendleton's feedback model explained with a worked example, plus SET-GO, Ask Tell Ask and R2C2, and how to give feedback well in clinical supervision.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.