CLINICAL SUPERVISION AGREEMENT

Aligned to the RISE UP Process & Proctor’s Functional Model

1. Parties to this Agreement

2. Purpose and Supervisory Framework

The purpose of this supervision is to support the professional development, ethical practice, clinical competence, and wellbeing of the Supervisee, while safeguarding the quality of service delivered to clients.

This Agreement is grounded in two complementary Australian-recognised frameworks:

A. Proctor’s Functional Model (the “what” of supervision)

• Formative (Educational) – developing clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, reflective practice and professional competence.
• Normative (Managerial / Administrative) – maintaining ethical standards, quality of practice, documentation, caseload management, organisational and NDIS compliance, and professional accountability.
• Restorative (Supportive) – attending to the Supervisee’s wellbeing, preventing burnout, building resilience, and fostering a safe supervisory alliance.

B. RISE UP Session Process (the “how” of each session – developed by Philip Armstrong, former ACA CEO)

• R – Review: revisit previous commitments, insights and agreed actions.
• I – Issues: identify current cases, practice concerns or developmental needs.
• S – Supervisee: attend to the Supervisee’s wellbeing, confidence and professional growth.
• E – Ethics: ensure ethical, legal and professional standards are upheld.
• U – Unfinished business: return to unresolved matters from prior sessions.
• P – Planning: set clear goals, strategies and actions moving forward.

3. Frequency, Duration and Mode

Additional or emergency supervision may be arranged by mutual agreement when clinical risk or significant professional issues arise.

4. Responsibilities

Supervisor will:

• Provide a safe, respectful and confidential space for reflection and learning.
• Structure sessions according to the RISE UP process and attend to all three Proctor functions.
• Offer constructive feedback, guidance on clinical, ethical and professional matters, and support for the Supervisee’s wellbeing.
• Maintain appropriate records of supervision (date, duration, mode, key themes, actions) in accordance with ACA requirements.
• Identify and address any concerns regarding risk to clients, the Supervisee, or professional standards in a timely manner.
• Engage in their own regular supervision of supervision (SoS) and maintain relevant professional registration and insurance.

Supervisee will:

• Prepare for sessions (bring relevant cases, questions, reflections and any unfinished business).
• Engage openly and honestly, including disclosure of clinical, ethical or personal issues that impact practice.
• Implement agreed actions and reflect on learning between sessions.
• Maintain accurate client records and bring documentation concerns to supervision.
• Inform the Supervisor promptly of any critical incidents, complaints, or significant risk issues.
• Meet their professional body’s minimum supervision requirements (currently 10 hours per membership year for ACA) and keep their own supervision log.

5. Confidentiality and Limits

All material discussed in supervision is confidential. The Supervisor will not disclose information without the Supervisee’s consent except where required by law or professional duty, including but not limited to:

• Risk of serious harm to a client, the Supervisee, or others.
• Mandatory reporting obligations (e.g. child protection, elder abuse).
• Requirements of professional registration bodies, insurers, or legal processes.
• Where the Supervisor is also providing organisational / line-management functions (this will be clearly distinguished).

Client identity will be protected in supervision discussions wherever practicable. The Supervisee remains ultimately responsible for the clinical care of their clients.

6. Record Keeping

Both parties will maintain a supervision log recording: date, duration, mode (individual/group), key themes addressed under the three Proctor functions / RISE UP steps, and agreed actions. These records support ACA / PACFA membership renewal and continuous professional development. Supervision notes are the property of the respective party and are not client clinical notes.

7. Fees and Cancellation (External Supervisees)

Where supervision is provided as a professional service (external / back-office offering):

Internal (employed / contracted) practitioners: supervision is a condition of practice and is not separately charged unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. Review and Termination

This Agreement will be reviewed at least every six months or earlier by mutual request. Either party may terminate the supervisory relationship with reasonable notice (normally two sessions). In the event of concerns about competence, ethics or safety, the Supervisor may suspend or terminate the arrangement and, where required, notify the relevant professional body or employer.

9. Declaration and Signatures

We have read, understood and agree to the terms of this Clinical Supervision Agreement. We commit to working within the RISE UP process and Proctor’s three functions to support ethical, reflective and effective practice.

A signed copy of this Agreement will be retained by both parties. This document forms part of the professional record of the supervisory relationship.