WORKFORCE
TIME TO REFLECT
Rethinking supervision in the drug and alcohol workforce has the potential to transform practice, says Katherine Jenkins
Working in the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery sector is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Practitioners face complex challenges every day, and to deliver effective services they need to be equipped with the right tools and knowledge – and feel valued and supported.
Recent reports, including Professor Dame Carol Black’ s landmark Independent review of drugs and NHS England’ s Capability framework for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce highlight the vital role that supervision can play in supporting frontline staff and driving better outcomes. But the focus in terms of supervision goes beyond processes that simply concentrate on performance and targets.
Recent research by Kristy Aristy highlights the benefits of providing effective supervision for the sector’ s workforce – from increased retention to improvements in staff confidence and service delivery. She also highlighted the impact that a lack of, or poor, supervision and training can have – staff retention rates worsen, performance is negatively impacted, and skills aren’ t adequately developed.
The historic lack of regulation across the sector compared with other professions and roles can also mean approaches to supervision are inconsistent, with considerable variation in quality. Competing priorities and a lack of learning and development opportunities may result in managers not feeling confident
enough to support staff to reflect on their practice and work-based issues at a deeper level. Budgetary restraints and financial crises can also play a role, or it may be difficult to identify supervisors with the necessary specialist knowledge to effectively supervise staff working in the sector.
Supervision goes beyond processes that simply concentrate on performance and targets.
Supervision should be guided by a clear model and facilitated by a supervisor who has received appropriate training, and organisational approaches need to be consistent across their workforce – ensuring practitioners have fair access to development opportunities which are quality assured, monitored and reviewed. Reflecting on this need,
THE PREPARE & PRACTICE MODEL is now available to organisations through accredited practitioner training with the Forward Trust, with accreditation provided by Addiction Professionals – the UK registration and network body for the addiction treatment and recovery sector.
‘ This course provides learning and support in an area that is currently not well provided for – support for those providing group supervision in the drug and alcohol sector,’ says Kate Halliday, executive director of Addictions Professionals.
we’ ve explored affordable ways to support staff which do not compromise on quality and provide consistent and safe opportunities for deeper reflection and learning. Over a two-year period we’ ve developed the PREPARE & PRACTICE model, which enables managers to confidently facilitate reflective group supervision, using a clear and structured framework. Through this, frontline staff are provided with a protected and supportive space in which they can reflect, grow and strengthen their practice together.
Grounded in reflective practice, systemic awareness, and attachment thinking, the model enables group supervisors to help practitioners to pause, think, and understand how emotions and relationships shape their work. It offers both foundation and flow:
PREPARE sets the tone and expectations of the supervisor – preparation, clarity, respect, and psychological safety.
PRACTICE guides the group supervision journey – from sharing and reflection to planning, encouragement and action.
Matt Serlin, one of the cocreators, highlights that‘ by embedding this model we’ re not just supporting staff – we’ re strengthening the entire system of the care and support we provide to people affected by addiction’.
Katherine Jenkins is head of family support and specialist programmes at the Forward Trust
‘ The PREPARE & PRACTICE model identifies a range of issues and methods to support those who provide group supervision within their workplaces, from theory through to practice.’
This approach provides an accessible, robust and cost-effective option for organisations across the sector.
For details and enrolment contact Matt Serlin: matt. serlin @ forwardtrust. org. uk or Juliet Fenne-Green: Juliet. fenne-green @ forwardtrust. org. uk btrot60iStock
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