Feedback is the engine of clinical supervision. Done well, it grows 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 confidence and competence. Done poorly, it shuts the relationship down.
Some principles that hold up
Specific over general."You opened that conversation by reflecting back her exact phrase 'still grieving' — and her shoulders dropped" lands. "Good listening today" doesn't.
Behaviour over personality. Talk about what was done, not who the person is. 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'. can change a behaviour. They can't change being themselves.
Strengths first, gaps next, plan together. Always end on what to try next.
Invite reflection before giving feedback. "What did you think went well?" "What would you do differently?" Often 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'. will name what you would have named anyway — and they own it more.
Don't sandwich. Insincere praise either side of criticism is patronising. Be honest.
Pair feedback with structured tools. Use 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. Academy Observation sheet — it links what you saw to specific competencies, which makes the conversation concrete.
A simple structure
What's the focus today? Agree what to talk about up front.
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 reflection. What stood out, good and bad?
The supervisor's observations. What you saw, with examples.
Discussion. Where do you agree, where don't you, what do you each notice in the gap?
Plan. One or two specific things to try before the next session.
Record it. Brief notes — what was discussed, what was agreed, when next.
Receiving feedback yourself
Supervisors are also learners. Ask 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'. what they need from supervision, and what's not working. Model the openness you are asking them to bring.
A note on power
You hold institutional power in this relationship. Be aware of it. Make space 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'. to disagree, to push back, to bring you the things they don't think they can fix on their own.
