24 October 2023
We are expanding our EMCC UK offer on supervision. Our plans include new resources for supervisors, as well as for coaches and mentors, wanting to know more about supervision. Paul Heardman, our EMCC UK Director for Supervision Practice, gives a flavour of what’s in store, including the forthcoming launch of a new Special Interest Group on Supervision as well as other opportunities to get involved.
Regular supervision is an important part of professional practice for all coaches and mentors, and indeed also for supervisors. To support supervisors as well as coaches and mentors in getting the most from this process, we are broadening the range and diversity of what we offer across different aspects of the supervision landscape.
Supervision events in November
High quality CPD events have always been a core part of EMCC UK’s offer, and these can be a great way to learn more about supervision. Coming up in November and December, we have two superb supervision-themed sessions on offer.
Supervision and LEGO Serious Play – On 2 November, Paul Sanbar guides us through how supervision can be enhanced through LEGO Serious Play methods. Paul will offer a live demonstration of how this creative and playful approach can deepen our access to embodied wisdom via the hand-mind connection. Read more about Paul’s approach in his blog post: What LEGO Serious Play offers supervisors and supervisees.
Is supervision more than ‘coaching the coach’? On 30 November, Peter Jackson will be running what will undoubtedly be a stimulating session to explore an important question which frequently arises, particularly for those newer to supervision – is supervision more than ‘coaching the coach’? It can sometimes be easy to confuse the two, and thereby miss some of the key distinctions. So we are delighted that Peter will be sharing his perspective on this topic.
Coach supervision for organisations – On 7 December, in an organisation member exclusive, Kevin Cowley will be sharing how supervision can support quality assurance and wellbeing for coaches in organisations.
Supervision Special Interest Group in January
I am delighted to announce that our new Supervision Special Interest Group (SIG) is launching in January. The group’s focus will include promoting best practice, sharing new thinking and enabling peer networking. It will provide a welcoming space for a broad community of practitioners, including:
• The supervision-curious
• Coaches or mentors who want to get the most from being supervised
• Supervisors in training
• Established supervisors
Kevin Cowley and Mia O’Gorman, who will co-chair the group, introduce themselves in a blog post, and share some personal reflections on what supervision means to them.
The first Supervision SIG event takes place at 13.00-15.00 on 30 January 2024, with special guest speaker Robin Shohet. A leading thinker about and practitioner of supervision for more than 40 years, Robin always brings an original perspective, so this promises to be a fascinating first event for the SIG.
If you would like to join the group when it launches in January, please contact Mia and Kevin here: [email protected]. To view all upcoming SIG activities, keep an eye on our events page.
Supervision-related articles
Our plans also include publishing more regular supervision-related articles in EMCC UK’s monthly newsletters. If you have interesting supervision-related research you might like to share with our readership, we are keen to hear from you. And check out this month’s thought-provoking piece from Jeremy Gomm on his insights from our podcast series on internal coaching supervision, which he recently co-hosted with Katharine St John-Brooks. You can listen to the podcast series itself starting with this conversation with Darren Whysall.
Deputy Director for Supervision
Finally, some of you may have spotted we are currently recruiting a Deputy Director for Supervision Practice. This is a great new volunteer role, and will enable us to develop further our EMCC UK strategy on supervision. The role involves a commitment of approximately 200 hours per year, and the deadline for application is Monday 20 November. Follow the link above for details on how to apply.
Photo by SHVETS production