Supervision is a fundamental element of the AP trainee programme. Before agreeing to becoming a supervisor, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary experience, time, resources and support to enable you to provide good quality supervision. Supervisors must be fully invested and equipped to guide trainees through the complexities of the AP pathway.
NHSEs ‘Minimum Standards for Supervision’ outlines the responsibilities and expectations of two defined supervisory roles. These roles differ in terms of responsibility and scope of involvement and are detailed below.
Please note, the trainee must have a named, allocated workplace Co-ordinating Education Supervisor before commencing training in advanced practice.
The Co-ordinating Educational Supervisor
Act as the primary point of contact between the trainee, employer, and academic institution, ensuring all aspects of the training program are integrated.
Have overall responsibility for the trainee’s progression and development throughout the AP training.
They ensure that the trainee’s learning needs are met, oversee the alignment of clinical practice with academic goals, and provide regular assessments and feedback.
The Co-ordinating Educational Supervisor must:
- Be an experienced practitioner.
- Have completed some formal supervisor development. Examples of formal training include: Clinical educator programmes; PgCert in clinical education; practice educator programmes; local supervisor training courses.
- Must have been working at advanced level for a minimum of 3 years [if currently working as an Advanced Practitioner]. There should be clear justification for an advanced practitioner with less than 3 years’ experience undertaking this role.
- Is in addition to the HEI support/academic mentor for the trainee.
The Associate Workplace Supervisor
- Typically provides support in specific clinical areas or rotations.
- Work alongside the trainee during practical placements, offering focused, hands-on guidance and feedback, particularly within their area of expertise.
- Play a crucial role in ensuring the trainee’s clinical skills are being effectively developed and applied.
Associate workplace supervisors must:
- Demonstrate expert knowledge and capability of the area of practice they are supervising.
Both roles are complementary, ensuring a well-rounded and supported training experience for the AP trainee.
The ‘supervisor readiness to checklist’ document will help you to assess if you’re ready to be a supervisor for a trainee on the AP programme. Please note, completion of this document by the designated Co-ordinating Educational Supervisor forms part of the application process.
We recommend that you look at the helpful resources section below to help further inform you of the expectations of the role.
Workplace Supervision for Advanced Practice
Advanced Practice Supervisor Capabilities – Advanced Practice
Workplace Supervision for Advanced Practice
Videos:
An Introduction to Advanced Clinical Practice
NHSE SE – Exploring the research Pillar of Advanced Practice
Advanced Practice Education Pillar
NHSE SE Advanced Practice Leadership and Management
Videos:
Podcasts
Clinical supervision
NHS England Clinical Supervision podcast Part 1
NHS England Clinical Supervision podcast Part 2