The Social Workers Registration Board recognises that quality professional supervision sits at the heart of competent social work practice. Our supervision policy reflects the profession’s shared understanding that regular, meaningful supervision supports practitioners, protects those with whom we work, and strengthens service delivery across Aotearoa New Zealand.

All registered social workers are required to participate in professional supervision at least monthly. Their supervision arrangements should match their experience level and practice context. When you renew your practising certificate, you make a declaration that you will undertake regular professional supervision—this isn’t just a regulatory requirement, but a professional commitment to maintaining competent and safe practice.

We understand that supervision looks different across diverse practice settings and communities. Supervision should be culturally responsive and professionally relevant to your role. This applies whether you’re a newly qualified practitioner building foundational skills, an experienced worker in a specialist field, or an overseas-qualified professional adapting to the Aotearoa New Zealand context. The policy emphasises supervision that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi, respects diverse worldviews, and supports practitioners to work safely and accountably within our country’s bicultural framework.

For employers and supervisors, the supervision policy provides clear expectations while recognising the practical realities of service delivery. We prefer supervision to be provided by registered social workers with current practising certificates and supervision training. However, we acknowledge that senior practitioners may sometimes benefit from interdisciplinary supervision. What matters most is that supervision is regular, uninterrupted, based on a clear contract, and focused on promoting safe, ethical practice that serves the interests of the whānau and communities we work with.