In search of an informed supervisory practice: An exploratory study

Abstract

This article explores the concept of an informed supervisory practice through a literature review and study of 18 social work supervisors' perspectives about what informed their supervisory practices. The results show that the supervisors were informed by their experiences of supervision, concepts and ideas from social work practice theory and supervision models, as well as their personal perceptions about their supervisees, the dynamics of supervision and felt experiences whilst practising. These results raise questions concerning the nature of an informed supervisory practice, supervisory education and training and highlight the need for further research in this area.