Creating the conditions for collective curiosity and containment: insights from developing and delivering reflective groups with social work supervisors

ABSTRACT

In this article, we share our reflections and insights from developing and facilitating small group reflective practice spaces over the last 3 years as part of a government-funded professional development programme for statutory children and families social work supervisors and their managers. Based on formal programme feedback and communication with facilitators and participants, there is clear evidence that participants have valued the space to reflect with peers on the diverse dilemmas they face in their role. We begin by setting the context for including small group spaces in the programme, and outline the theoretical and research frameworks underpinning our approach. Drawing from the sources of evidence outlined above, we explore three key thematic reflections: creating conditions for successful reflective groups; understanding roles and functions within the groups and reflecting on group processes. We conclude the paper by highlighting our learning from both in-person and virtual modes of delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Reflective groups
• group supervision
• facilitating groups
• supervisor
• containment
• children and family social work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. We would like to express our gratitude to the Practice Supervisor Development Programme participants (John Packiaraj and Tenji Wesa), facilitators (Joan Fletcher and Penny McLellan) and programme director (Dez Holmes) who provided feedback on the draft of this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Williams

Jo Williams – Senior lecturer and Practice Supervisor Development Programme - Delivery Lead, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust [email protected]

Gillian Ruch

Gillian Ruch – Professor of social work, University of Sussex [email protected]

Sharon Jennings

Sharon Jennings - Practice Supervisor Development Programme – Deputy Delivery Lead, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust [email protected]