The Observation sheet is used by a clinical supervisor to observe SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. practice and the competencies demonstrated. The framework recommends using it every 6–12 months.
There are two variants:
General SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. practice — observation of one-to-one work with a person.
Community development — observation of community-facing work (a partnership meeting, a community group activity, an outreach event).
What it's for
A structured, evidence-based observation of practice — not a vague impression.
Linkage to the WHIS— World Health Innovation SummitEstablished in 2015 to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through innovation, education and partnerships. Co-developer (with GSPA) of the WHIS Social Prescribing Link Worker programme. competency framework — the supervisor tags which competencies were demonstrated.
A record of strengths, areas for development, and agreed actions.
Evidence for the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'.'s portfolio and CPD— Continuing Professional DevelopmentOngoing learning and reflection used to maintain and improve competence in a role. plan.
How it differs from a debrief
A debrief is reactive and short. An observation is planned, with consent, and the supervisor brings full attention to it. Both are valuable; they are not the same.
How to set it up
Agree the date, time, setting, and which case (or community activity).
Agree the consent process — usually the supervisor introduces themselves, the person consents to the supervisor being present, and confidentiality is preserved.
Brief the supervisor on what you (the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'.) want feedback on — "I'm working on summarising at the end of sessions; can you watch for that?"
Run the session as normally as possible.
Have the conversation immediately afterwards while it's fresh.
