I work as an HR Manager for a Learning Disability Centre that historically has carried out supervisions every 6 weeks on all its care staff. I appreciate there is much controversy on this topic and having read what the CQC have to say on the matter, it appears it is very much what we do here that does matter. My intention is to adjust this 6 weekly (not only impracticable given the type of work we do, but is time-consuming etc. etc.) to 4x per annum, once a quarter. I have now separated the 1:1 and appraisal documents as they are for different reasons. In your experience and with your knowledge will the CQC accept 4x a year for 1:1s?

 

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear W,

Thank you for your question.

This is a decision to be made by the Registered Manager and I am sure that the Registered Manager would make that decision in consultation with you.

You should have properly recorded your service’s policy on supervision and other associated areas.

Staff must receive the support, training, professional development, supervision and appraisals that are necessary for them to carry out their role and responsibilities. They should be supported to obtain further qualifications and provide evidence, where required, to the appropriate regulator to show that they meet the professional standards needed to continue to practise.

http://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/regulations-enforcement/regulation-18-staffing

I have always believed that, as well as 1:1 supervisions, supervisions can also be carried out in group sessions.

So carrying on from what you have said you would provide four 1:1 sessions per member of staff per year and additionally any learning that can be provided in a group.

If you hold regular staff meetings then one or more each year could be dedicated to a particular area, for instance a new policy that was to be introduced and which needs the full understanding and engagement of all members of staff.

This of course should include group participation to be clear that everyone understands the new arrangements. The same process could be used if an accident had occurred and there was a need for a full discussion in order to try to prevent such a thing happening again.

It is important, as you will know, to make sure that all supervisions and appraisals are properly recorded and the same is the case with a staff meeting with a set of minutes that clearly record the people who attended as well as the minutes of the meeting.

I am only too aware of how time-consuming properly held supervisions are so I do believe that ways of innovation such as group sessions can be hugely beneficial to your service by giving everyone the chance to learn from each other but they may also be more enjoyable than 1:1s and a more efficient use of everyone’s time.

I do hope that this is helpful. The CQC will want to be satisfied that your staff are receiving supervisions and that other work that you are doing with your staff supports the supervisions and increases the skill base of the home.

I hope this is helpful.

Sheila