Training for supervisors

A training course for supervisors in psychology is set to be launched this month on the British Psychological Society's virtual learning environment, BPS Learn. The new course will be one of the first to be delivered via the new platform and has been developed with support from BPS members.

The new training will become the route onto the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors and will include six e-learning modules followed by two half-day online interactive workshops. Trainees will have the opportunity to develop and practice skills including contracting, skilful questioning, and delivering and receiving feedback.

Dr Gail Steptoe-Warren, Head of Psychology at Arden University, and Chair of the BPS Supervision Training Review Group, said the new course had been developed after lengthy consultation with members on learning outcomes, support from a learning designer in developing the e-learning modules, and focus groups. 'The learning outcomes have been updated in terms of terminology and broadened to ensure they are up to date in terms of supervision knowledge and practice. For example there is a stronger focus on supervisor health and wellbeing, as well as the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of a supervisor's practice.

'Based on the learning outcomes an evaluation of delivery methods was undertaken for a new supervision skills training programme. We were keen to utilise the new virtual learning environment that the BPS has recently procured in order to make the training as accessible as possible. Members have been a key part of this process, and we are immensely grateful for the time they have given and their useful feedback and insight.'

The BPS has also recently launched a toolkit for psychology teachers in schools and colleges, developed through a collaboration between the Education and Training Board with help from the Association for the Teaching of Psychology.

It includes videos, ideas for virtual events, classroom posters, tips to promote positive wellbeing and activity packs for students, including Stroop Effect materials and brain models. More materials are set to be developed and added to the toolkit each term.