Hi Sheila, is there a stated requirement on the frequency of supervision of Care staff in Care Homes?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear M,

Thank you for your question.

If you go to this page on the Care Quality Commission website, you will see under the heading, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Regulation 18 that it states that:

“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.”

There is no stated exact position on this. You must define within your policies how often you will carry out supervisions.

You will recollect that under the previous regulatory system the requirement was “six times per year”.

I know that it is normal for care homes to decide that either every two months or every three months is appropriate for their service but the service can decide and you might for instance decide that there could more supervisions for new members of staff.

It is also important to remember, I believe, that once or twice a year you could hold a group supervision session, like a staff meeting but which is looking at some important issues relevant to the service.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes.

Sheila