Supervision services can be structured in different ways depending on practitioner needs, accessibility, and resources. Many supervision practices combine several delivery models to support different types of practitioners and working environments.

When designing a supervision service, supervisors should consider:

• the needs and experience level of supervisees

• the complexity of the work being undertaken

• accessibility for practitioners in different locations

• financial sustainability of the supervision practice

Individual and Group Supervision

Supervision is commonly delivered either through individual sessions or group supervision, with many supervisors offering a combination of both.

Individual Supervision

Individual supervision is a one-to-one reflective space between supervisor and supervisee.

This model allows the practitioner to explore cases, ethical dilemmas, and professional challenges in a confidential and focused environment.

Advantages

• Highly tailored to the supervisee’s specific practice and professional goals

• Provides a safe space to explore sensitive or complex cases

• Flexible scheduling and session structure

Considerations

• Higher cost per session for the supervisee

• Fewer perspectives compared with group learning environments

Example:
A dispute resolution professional working with a complex family matter may seek individual supervision to explore ethical considerations and decision-making in depth.

Group Supervision

Group supervision involves several practitioners meeting with a supervisor to reflect on their work and share learning.

These sessions typically include case discussions, reflective dialogue, and peer learning.

Advantages

• Lower cost per participant

• Opportunities for shared learning from diverse cases and experiences

• Builds a supportive professional community

Considerations

• Less time for individual issues

• Requires clear agreements around confidentiality and respectful participation

• Group dynamics can influence participation levels

Example:
A supervisor may facilitate a group of mediators who meet monthly to reflect on challenging cases and explore different approaches to managing conflict.

Blended Supervision

Many supervisors offer a combination of individual and group supervision.

For example, practitioners may attend regular group supervision sessions while scheduling individual sessions when they need deeper reflection on complex cases.

This blended approach allows practitioners to benefit from both peer learning and personalised support.

Modes of Delivery

Supervision can also be delivered through different formats depending on location, accessibility, and practitioner preference.

Face-to-Face Supervision

In-person supervision allows for deeper relational engagement and enables supervisors to observe subtle non-verbal communication.

This format can be particularly valuable when exploring complex or emotionally sensitive situations.

Online or Virtual Supervision

Online supervision provides flexibility and accessibility, particularly for practitioners working remotely or managing busy schedules.

The use of virtual supervision expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now widely accepted across many professional fields.

Hybrid Supervision

Hybrid supervision combines both in-person and online formats.

For example, a supervisor may conduct regular online sessions while offering occasional in-person workshops or group supervision days.

This approach can provide both flexibility and opportunities for deeper professional connection.

Frequency of Supervision

The frequency of supervision may vary depending on the practitioner’s experience, workload, and the complexity of their cases.

Many professional guidelines suggest at least one hour of supervision per month for active practitioners.

However, more frequent supervision may be appropriate:

• for early-career practitioners

• when working with particularly complex or high-risk cases

• during periods of increased professional stress

Supervision arrangements should remain flexible and responsive to practitioner needs.

Practical Tip for Supervisors

When designing your supervision services, consider offering multiple options so practitioners can choose what best suits their practice.

For example:

• individual supervision sessions

• monthly group supervision circles

• a blended model combining group learning and individual support

Offering a range of options can help supervisors build a sustainable practice while meeting the diverse needs of dispute resolution professionals.