Resources for the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model
Oranga Tamariki is introducing the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model. This gives us an invaluable opportunity to re-lay the foundations of good supervision practices. These resources support the introduction and embedding of the model.Developing a supervision agreement – guide
Within the Oranga Tamariki context, intentional unlearning is likely required to support the introduction of the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model.
The most important part of effective professional supervision is the relationship between the kaiārahi (supervisor) and kaitiaki (supervisee).
The guide for developing a supervision agreement for the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model has been specifically designed to support the supervisory partners – kaiārahi and kaitiaki – to have the important kōrero (conversation) that should promote a supportive and trusting supervisory relationship. The guide not only supports the development of the supervision agreement, but promotes the relational, inclusive and restorative foundations integral to the supervision model.
Developing a supervision agreement – guide (PDF 693 KB)
Supervision agreement – template (DOCX 126 KB)
Getting this relationship right means supervision more likely meets the needs of all parties. It is acknowledged that this kōrero, while important, may not always be easy to have. This can be the case irrespective of whether you are establishing a new supervisory relationship or are re-contracting within a long-standing supervisory relationship.
This kōrero normally occurs in the 'pre-engagement' phase of supervision and can be revisited anytime during the supervisory relationship. The end-product of this kōrero is the development of a well-negotiated and routinely revised supervision agreement.
Importance of a regularly maintained supervision agreement
One of the principles guiding the Social Workers Registration Board's (SWRB) Supervision Policy Statement is that "professional supervision is regular and uninterrupted and based on a negotiated contract" (SWRB, 2015, p2). As a registered social worker, we must also "be able to provide attestation and a contract for supervision at the time of undertaking competency requirements or Annual Practising Certificate renewal" (SWRB, 2015, p2).
The guide will support you to develop and maintain a supervision agreement, enabling you to uphold your professional, regulatory and organisational responsibilities.
Oranga dimensions: self-expression of oranga for kaitiaki
A focus on kaimahi ora (whole of person wellbeing) is at the centre of the model. The oranga template is a resource that can be used by the kaitiaki (individually or with the kaiārahi) to identify what each of the dimensions of oranga mean to them.
The oranga dimensions support conversations about what holistic kaimahi ora looks like for each kaitiaki. This is fundamental for maintaining workforce health and safety. The supervisory partners can then explore the role of supervision in promoting kaimahi ora. The template can be reviewed and updated at any time.
Oranga dimensions: self-expression of oranga for kaitiaki – template (DOCX 124 KB)
Supervision recording
In alignment with oranga at the centre of the model, the recording template is structured around kaimahi ora, mahi ora and whānau ora.
The recording template is for kaitiaki supervision sessions. The kaitiaki and kaiārahi will agree who is responsible for completing the recording template and where and how it will be confidentially stored, as part of the contracting kōrero.
A record of casework analysis and decisions made in relation to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau or families must be entered on the case management system (CYRAS).
Live supervision coaching
This template can be used as a learning and development tool to support the kaiārahi and kaitiaki to grow their understanding and skills in working with the model.
The coach should be a kaimahi sufficiently experienced in the supervision model and the provision of professional supervision more widely. The role of coach is to capture their observations of knowledge used, and skills and techniques engaged with. Confidentiality of content discussed in the supervision session should be assured by the coach.
Live observation by a coach should only take place after both the kaiārahi and kaitiaki have been inducted into the model, have re-contracted their supervisory relationship using the guide, and have had a few supervision sessions together. A copy of the template should only be retained by the kaiārahi and kaitiaki, who can determine where or if it is stored. The template should not be stored on the personnel file of either the kaiārahi or the kaitiaki.
Working with takepū and principles within a bicultural model
Te Toka Tūmoana takepū always remain present, acknowledging the foundational knowledge of the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model. These takepū are inclusive to all kaimahi, and the tamariki and whānau or families with whom we work.
Other principles are able to be brought into the model. These do not replace Te Toka Tūmoana takepū but serve as hoa haere (trusted companions).
This is illustrated in the following video, which shows 7 turtles circling the outer edge of the puna (pool) in staggered formation. The turtles represent the 7 Va'aifetū principles: guardianship, child's best interest, relationships, responsibility, spirituality, humility, dignity. Ngā takepū of Te Toka Tūmoana are visible underneath the turtles in the puna.
Developing a tangata whenua and bicultural supervision approach for Oranga Tamariki
This positioning paper draws from a focused literature review, and outlines the context for the development of our supervision approach and the tangata whenua and bicultural supervision model for Oranga Tamariki. The paper highlights that our supervision approach is a critical enabler in the shift in practice Oranga Tamariki is seeking to make.
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