The word supervision has a different meaning when used in our context compared with in common, everyday speech. It does not refer to the act of managing or overseeing someone’s work, and the supervisor is not present when the supervisee is working with their client.
Supervision is a form of professional support for the practitioner, and occurs separately from the interaction with the client. It is primarily a dialogue relating to their practice, an opportunity to reflect on and make sense of actual client encounters.
EMCC Global’s definition of supervision is
A safe space for reflective dialogue with a practicing supervisor, supporting the supervisee’s practice, development and well-being.
Supervision is not limited to reflection on specific client cases. Amongst other things, it can be a forum in which the supervisee:
In this process, a practicing supervisor (ideally trained and accredited) meets the supervisee on a one- to-one basis, either in person or remotely.
When working towards accreditation, e.g. Global Individual Accreditation/s, EMCC Global requires candidates to use this form of supervision because it guarantees individualised attention for the practitioner.
Group Supervision occurs when there is more than one supervisee in the session and it is being led by a practicing supervisor (ideally trained and accredited).
One of the advantages of this format is that the supervisees benefit from each other’s input, as well as that of the supervisor/s. The role of the supervisor is to engage the collective intelligence of the group.
EMCC Global believes that experienced practitioners require a minimum of four hours individual supervision per year, evenly distributed across twelve months. EMCC Global also believes that the minimum ratio of practice to supervision, for an experienced practitioner should be 35 practice hours to 1 hour of supervision received.
Practitioners are encouraged to think about the type, duration, and frequency of supervision that they need to be supported in their work and context. After the minimum criteria are met, it is for the practitioner to decide, based on their unique circumstances and needs, exactly how much supervision they require to perform at their best.
First and foremost, supervision is a form of facilitated reflective practice; it is a reflective dialogue that is designed to ensure we are all delivering our best work in the service of our clients, their organisations and all stakeholders.
Globalisation highlights supervision's value amid evolving practice definitions. As coaching, leadership and development shift across languages, cultures and geographies, supervision reinforces professionalism—creating consistent standards despite contextual differences.
Accreditation supports and regulates an individual’s ongoing professional practice and provides a focus for their ongoing development. A commitment to supervision is a requirement for accreditation as a practitioner.
Supervision is a requirement for professional practice, and a means by which practitioners can ensure they are acting with responsibility and accountability.
Active coaches are expected to receive supervision on their practice. The recommendation is no less than four hours per year, and more as required.
Supervisees may wish to use this service to
We are offering group supervision for groups of up to six coaches per session. Sessions are three hours in duration, and include dedicated airtime and support for each attendee.
The supervision offering is currently being updated. Please come back soon to find out more.