Why should I have supervision and your employer's responsibility

The BDA strongly recommends that the whole dietetic workforce partakes in regular, effective supervision to ensure safe practice, and support the wellbeing of practitioners. The role that supervision plays in wellbeing has come to the forefront in recognition of the immense pressure experienced by staff working in health and care services during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic ¹. Research into the impact of the pandemic on health and care staff has primarily focussed on doctors, nursing and ambulance staff but is likely to be seen across all professions. It demonstrates that exposure to distressing events over a prolonged period results in moral distress and moral injury which is likely to be harmful to a person’s wellbeing ^2,3,4. Supervision can provide a safe space for this to be explored which can reduce the likelihood of events impacting negatively on wellbeing. 

The benefit of supervision is also recognised by regulatory bodies. In 2019, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) commissioned a rapid evidence review that identifies the clear benefits of supervision for health and care staff and the detrimental impact that is seen when it is absent⁵. The evidence within the review demonstrates that effective supervision has a positive impact on staff retention, job satisfaction and staff wellbeing. It has been linked to an ability to promote innovation, confidence, and an improved leadership potential, as well as reducing stress and anxiety. Staff, service-users and employer’s all benefit, as the overall impact is seen through an increased quality of care delivery. This is demonstrated for those in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

The HCPC Standards of Proficiency were updated in 2023 to require all registrants to take steps to support their own wellbeing to ensure they are mentally fit to practise. Engaging in regular supervision, with particular focus on its restorative function, is therefore an effective way to do this.

Registered dietitians

Dietitians registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) are required to meet all the regulatory standards to practise within the UK. Whilst there is no specific requirement surrounding supervision, the HCPC standards recognise that supervision plays an important part in professional development and lifelong learning. Registered professionals are required to meet HCPC Standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and at each renewal, you will be asked to sign to confirm that you continue to meet these. If you are selected for CPD audit, being able to demonstrate that you have regularly participated in supervision is an important way to evidence that you meet the standards. Supervision is, therefore, a specific and crucial type of CPD.

Non-registered support workforce

While the non-registered support workforce is not required to meet the HCPC standards, participation in regular supervision is important and supports staff development and safety in practice. There are also considerations around supervision and delegation. This is discussed further under Dietetic Support Workforce.