Contemporary supervision practice has increasingly involved tasks previously associated with line management; this has been uncomfortable and unresolved for both supervisors and supervisees. Context, individual preference and circumstance can drive the relationship more into surveillance or more into support, and each will have important implications for practice. This article argues for a balance between monitoring and mentoring, both are crucial for effective supervision to occur. Supervisors need to know the boundaries of their delegated task, given that supervision can be the intervention of choice for any number of organizational difficulties. However they also need to integrate the leadership and critical appraisal tasks required, commencing supervision relationships with these components being transparent and clear, such that all participants can meet their obligations to practice competently, ethically and in the clients' interests. The systemic model provides an effective framework to conceptualise and intervene in relation to the various stakeholders, relationships, service systems and political context in which arrangements for supervision are negotiated.
Keywords: mentoring, systemic supervision, clinical governance, professional ethics
Key Points1 Effective clinical governance requires a balance of mentoring and monitoring function where supervisors are resolved and well-integrated in tasks associated with gate-keeping and assessment. 2 The systemic model provides a useful way to conceptualise the intersections and imperatives of having multiple stakeholders, relationships and tasks in the supervision space. 3 Effective supervision requires a supervision alliance that is robust, transparent and clear, such that all participants meet their obligations to practice competently, ethically and in the clients' interests. 4 A balance of monitoring and mentoring provides containment in relation to the core tasks of supervision, is congruent with systemic traditions and fosters relational ethics. 5 Supervisees need supervisors who can be excellent mentors and excellent monitors.