a) Two direct observations are required as part of the NQSW Programme as they are a valuable learning tool in developing practice and a very good way of helping to evidence the Outcome Statements. The first observation needs to take place at the beginning of the NQSW year & the second towards the end of the twelve months to enable the NQSW to demonstrate how their practice has developed & moved on during that time. The two direct observations must be in direct relation to the twelve NQSW Outcome Statements and need to be based on the supervisor observing the NQSW in person, working with a service user(s).
b) A direct observation should only take place when an NQSW and their supervisor have both discussed and agreed this in advance, and advanced agreement has been sort by the NQSW from the service user and carer if applicable.The boundaries of confidentiality also need to be made clear and understood by the service user. The direct observation should not in anyway intrude on the rights of the service user/carer, and they have the right to withdraw their consent at any point.
c) It is also necessary for the goals/objectives of the observation to be mutually agreed in advance by the NQSW and their supervisor (see Record of Direct Observation document). The University of York (2000) have developed a collaborative model for undertaking direct observations, and the following guidance & accompanying tools have been based upon this. The process involves the supervisor asking the NQSW to identify two key points they would like the supervisor to look out for and in turn, the supervisor identifying two key points they will be looking out for, and then recording this - making explicit what Outcome Statements will be evidenced.
d) Direct observations are included as part of the NQSW Programme as:
for NQSW’s, they provide an opportunity to:
- plan and reflect on their own practice.
- benefit from the supervisor’s perspective on ‘live’ work.
- be able to collate further evidence of their competence in the twelve Outcome Statements and receive confirmation of their abilities.
- identify any areas of difficulty and obtain appropriate support to overcome these.
for supervisors, direct observation provides opportunities to:
- understand the NQSW’s current abilities and strengths,
- identify areas for further work and provide relevant learning
opportunities,
- support in obtaining further evidence for the NQSW’s Portfolio.
for service users, direct observation has the potential to:
- improve the service provided by an NQSW,
- create an opportunity to evaluate the service received and give feedback.
Suggestions of how to do a direct observation
Planning ahead
- Start thinking about direct observation very early on in the NQSW Programme.
- Inform service users early and consult them fully, as their explicit agreement is required to enable a direct observation to take place. Ensure that boundaries of confidentiality have been made clear & are understood.
- Take a positive approach with service users/carers: ‘This is to help me learn how to support you better.’
- Choose two different situations if you can (not just one-to-one interviews) so that different areas of evidence can be explored.
- Arrange the observations so one can take place at the beginning of the Programme, and the second towards the end of the twelve months to demonstrate how your practice/skills have developed.
Before the observation
Consider seating arrangements so that the supervisor’s presence has minimal impact; don’t be afraid to alter them if necessary .
Anticipate potential difficulties and develop a strategy, e.g.
- under what circumstances might the supervisor intervene?
- if the service user keeps addressing the supervisor, how will this be handled?
Book a room if required
Discuss/negotiate goals & decide what Outcomes Statements are going to be evidenced, and record this (see Record of Direct Observation tool).
Make sure your plans match your goals. For example, if a goal is to see how you manage the process of a session, including beginnings, middles and ends, then your supervisor will have to stay for the duration.
Make sure the feedback session is booked up in the diary.
During the observation
- Keep in mind that the overall goal is the agreed purpose of the meeting between the service user(s) & you. The direct observation is secondary to this.
- Your supervisor needs to take detailed notes or make an audio/video recording of the session, having obtained explicit agreement from the service user/carer.
- Keep the negotiated goals in mind but make space to respond to unanticipated concerns.
- Your supervisor should only intervene if absolutely necessary.
After the observation
- Where ever possible, supervisor to seek feedback from the service use/carer in relation to the goals (see service user feedback document).
- Exchange first impressions with your supervisor immediately.
- Where possible, allow time for reflection before the feedback session.
- Use the Reflective tool document to record your thoughts/any learning points/things you may do differently in the future.