March 19, 2026

With the social work profession expanding into diverse areas such as medical care, community engagement, and government organisations, the demand for effective supervision has grown significantly. Despite this, research on supervisory practices remains limited. Existing literature emphasises the need for a holistic supervisory approach that goes beyond technical and clinical competencies, incorporating emotional support and reflective practices. The article ‘Supervision of Supervisory Practice: From Idea to Practice’ (International Social Work, 2022) by Associate Professor Peace Yuh Ju Wong (NUS Social Work), Dr Kang Li Wong (City University of Hong Kong), Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh (NUS Social Work), and Dr Marcus Yu Lung Chiu (City University of Hong Kong) addresses this gap.

The researchers evaluated the Supervision of Supervisory Practice (SOSp) programme implemented in Singaporean Family Service Centres (FSCs), focusing on its impacts on both supervisors and their supervisees to enhance the overall practice of social work. The SOSp programme uses goal setting, as well as live and video recording sessions, to support and educate supervisees in their work with clients. Furthermore, it aims to develop supervisors’ competencies across various practice contexts, such as healthcare, child welfare, and mental health fields. Each of these contexts presents distinct challenges and requires tailored supervisory approaches to effectively support supervisees. Ultimately, the programme seeks to enhance the skills and confidence of supervisors and supervisees, thereby improving the quality of social work practice and outcomes for clients.

The study found that the SOSp programme helped supervisors acquire new knowledge and skills, expand their perspectives through the reflecting team, and provided opportunities to receive feedback on their supervision styles. Supervisees also experienced professional growth due to the collaborative and reflective approach of their supervisors, which will aid them in their future careers. The development and implementation of the SOSp programme is therefore essential for maximising the efficacy of social work professionals. It should thus be undertaken by relevant professional associations and organisations, such as the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW), government bodies like the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and educational institutions offering social work programs.

Read the article here.