Future proofing supervision in Wales: Improving the quality of statutory supervision

Abstract

The Local Supervising Authority (LSA) in Wales, working closely with Directors of Nursing, Heads of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Welsh Government and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have mapped out a revised model for the delivery of statutory supervision that will be sustainable, cost effective, minimise the current risks facing Health Boards and the LSA, and one that will enable supervision to demonstrate quality and added value whilst meeting its main objective of enhancing public protection. The overarching purpose of this change is to improve the quality of statutory supervision in Wales through the appointment of supervisors, to work full time as a Supervisor of Midwives (SoM) for a rotational 18 month period. The SoMs will be dedicated to the role of supervision, increasing their visibility and accessibility to midwives and service users. It is considered that this model will enable more efficient and proactive management of investigations, external to employing Health Boards, and ensure timely remedial support for midwives. There will be an all Wales 24-hour on-call rota for regulatory advice and guidance and supervisors will provide supervision through clinics/surgeries for midwives, students and user group forums. Midwives will benefit from a more robust annual supervisory review process through group supervision and sharing of best practice, all of which aims to enhance public protection. The model will be evaluated with key performance indicators including; regular updates of workforce planning in line with NMC requirements; a focus on the timeliness and quality of the whole investigation process; 100% of students in the clinical area meet a supervisor at least twice a year and collation of the trends and themes from supervisory on-calls to inform service development.