The programme's extensive team of stakeholders is held in high esteem, without such dedication the programme would not have such a strong reputation for its teaching, research, supervision and assessment procedures. The programme works with all stakeholders in an effort to respond to local need and current training and practice issues.
Ways in which stakeholders can be involved
- Selections
- Teaching
- Marking
- Supervising Clinical Practice
- Research
- Advising
We endeavour to maintain our strong stakeholder liaison to continue to develop further our programme's strengths and undertake new initiatives.
At Lancaster the DClinPsy programme’s vision for trainees is that they become competent, confident, reflective and reflexive practitioners. Clinical practice placements and supervision play an essential role in this process. Placement supervisors are asked to support trainees in the development of their competencies and skills to a level which will enable trainees, upon completion of the programme, to meet the Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) as outlined by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, 2023). Supervisors are also asked to contribute to an evaluation of the trainees’ competencies thus playing an integral part in the programme’s overall assessment process.
There are various means by which the programme ensures that supervisors have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to both support and evaluate trainees on placement. The programme confirms that all supervisors have appropriate professional registration through the quality assurance visit process which is carried out by a clinical tutor when a new placement is offered to the programme. The vast majority of supervisors are clinical psychologists and are registered with the HCPC. However, in accordance with guidance from the British Psychological Society (BPS, 2017) supervisors can come from other professional backgrounds as long as they are appropriately qualified and registered. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis
The programme also provides a comprehensive supervisor training programme for both new and experienced supervisors. Details of upcoming workshops are circulated to our current and prospective supervisors. Please email us?with any queries.
Routes into supervisor training
New Supervisors:
All new supervisors must complete the first three days of the four day Introductory Supervisor training prior to offering a placement. The fourth day is then completed at a later date to allow for practical application of the training. Supervisors can complete the training offered by Lancaster or the equivalent training offered by one of the other Clinical Psychology Doctorate programmes in the North West. The Introductory Supervisor Workshops at Lancaster run at least once a year. The training is aimed at supervisors intending to start supervising within 6 months of completion of the training.
Experienced Supervisors:
In order to fulfil the programme’s commitment to excellence as the standard, experienced supervisors can attend Advanced Supervisor Workshops to review their learning in relation to their supervisory practice and to enhance their current skills. Some experienced supervisors who have had a break from supervision or who are new to the area may also choose to attend the Introductory Supervisor Workshops as a refresher. In line with the HCPC conditions all experienced supervisors are expected to attend supervisor training at least every five years. Setting up placements, placement visits and end of placement reviews provide the opportunity for programme staff to discuss supervisors’ interests and needs in relation to supervisor training. Invitations to attend specific training can also be made. Advanced workshops are offered regularly and details are circulated around current and prospective supervisors. Additional supervisor workbooks have also been produced to complement this process and facilitate access to ongoing CPD.