Publications from ODSW Social Work Supervsion | Page 67

Workshop 5: Harnessing Supervisees’ Feedback to Enhance Supervision Practice: Sharing on AWWA’s FSC’s Supervision Review Journey

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Being too busy to discuss cases together
Not sharing negative feedback openly
Not providing reflective supervision

6. Future Supervision Experience
AWWA found that supervisees with good supervisory relationships and
communication with their supervisors were more open to supervision in the future. Many of
them also tended to model after their supervisors.
After sharing significant findings from their data collection, Ms Chen shared some
learning points that her agency gleaned from the exercise as presented below:
• Safety and trust is important for supervisees to share honest feedback
• Supervisors must be ready to hear feedback before embarking
• Follow up actions are equally important as the review process itself
• Adopting the perspective of fit between supervisor and supervisee is essential
• A culture of openness and trust develops over time.
Conversations with Supervisors
Ms Chen then invited three supervisors from AWWA FSC and facilitated a panel discussion
with them to share their experience of the Supervision Review.
The Panel consisted of the following individuals:
• See Toh Huixia – Assistant Director, AWWA FSC
• Goh Guat Tiang – Senior Social Worker, AWWA FSC
• Rosedah Mohd Anuar – Senior Counsellor, AWWA FSC
The panellists were generally supportive of taking part in the supervision review as they
believed that it was important to have an outlet and platform to hear from the supervisees.
However, they had some fears and worries. As a supervisee, they were concerned about
how honest they could be, how it could affect the supervisory relationship, and whether it
would result in penalisation. As a supervisor, they were anxious, since receiving feedback
made them very vulnerable. However, these concerns were addressed by the fact that the
agency was committed to protecting the confidentiality of all respondents and that it was
an effort taken by the whole agency.
The supervision review helped them to gain self-awareness, and affirmed them of their
strengths and weaknesses. It also aided in the process of reflection and increased their
motivation to be committed to the supervisory relationship. Hui Xia shared that it had a
positive impact at the agency level as well, as it helped to build more trust in the agency,
and affirmed the workers that supervisors were looking into improving the structure and
system .
Reflecting on the entire review, they believed that it affects clients as it improves the
quality of service and allows social workers to be more aware of their strengths, blind spots
and areas for growth. Some changes in the agency included supervisees being more
forthcoming in approaching supervisors, and a greater openness in sharing cases and the
situations of their clients.

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