The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to establish and maintain standards for supervisors at MIP and to inform and protect practitioners seeking supervision.

Supervisors shall be aware that the clauses below, and in other MIP policies, are not to be taken as fully inclusive, exclusive or definitive as to what may or may not constitute professional misconduct.

1.1   All supervisors are expected to conduct themselves in their supervisory activities and associated responsibilities in ways that do not bring MIP into disrepute.  This applies in their role as supervisors at MIP and any other professional or academic organisations.

1.2   The primary purpose of supervision is to ensure that the supervisee is addressing the needs and safety of the client.

1.3   Supervisors are reminded that the training status of MIP trainees continues until graduation or formal withdrawal from the course.

2.       Supervisors must recognise the value and dignity of supervisees, with regards to equality and diversity.  Consideration of equality and diversity should underpin the basic values of psychotherapy and supervision.

3.       (a)    Supervisors are responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries between themselves and supervisees, so that professional relationships are not confused with other relationships. In principle, the provision of supervision should be separate from the provision of psychotherapy. 

(b)    During supervision, when it seems appropriate that the supervisor engages in therapy with the supervisee, a clear contract must be negotiated for the duration of the exercise.

4.       Supervisors must not exploit supervisees financially, sexually, emotionally or in any other way.

5.       (a)    Supervisors are expected to commit themselves to their continuing professional development as Supervisors, and to monitor and evaluate the limits of their competence.

(b)    Supervisors have a responsibility to themselves, their supervisees and MIP and to maintain their own effectiveness, resilience and ability to work with supervisees.  They are expected to monitor their own performance and to seek help and/or withdraw from their role as supervisor, whether temporarily or permanently, if their personal resources are compromised.

(c)    It is mandatory for MIP Supervisors to be in supervision themselves.

6.       (a)    As a general principle, Supervisors must maintain confidentiality with regards to information about their supervisees and their supervisees’ clients.

(b)    In those instances where a Supervisor believes it necessary to break confidentiality, either in relation to the supervisee’s practice or client issues, they will, wherever possible, discuss this in advance with the supervisee concerned. They will make clear their reasons for this course of action and seek the co-operation of the supervisee. Confidentiality agreements may be broken where there are serious safety, legal or ethical concerns.

7.       Supervisors, as members of MIP, are expected to adhere to the MIP Complaints Procedure in cases of alleged ethical misconduct.

8.       If Supervisors wish to undertake academic and/or clinical research at MIP involving their supervisees, supervisees’ clients, staff, colleagues, trainees or placement clients, they must seek permission from the Clinical Director. 

This policy will be reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months.

Reviewed July 2019

The aim is to establish and maintain standards for trainers working at MIP or in the service of MIP.

Also, to inform and offer protection to the public who attend training or are seeking to train at MIP.

1. Trainers should recognise the integrity, role and value of trainees, with regard to issues of race, origin, status, gender beliefs, sexual orientation and any other diversity aspect.

• Trainers are responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries between themselves and trainees, so that professional relationships are not confused with other relationships.

• Trainers need to respect and adhere to the dual relationships section within the UKCP/MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice policy, ie not to work therapeutically with clients who they are actively involved with in a substantial training role.

For example – former trainees must not be accepted as therapeutic clients until a period of six months has passed for reflection and after consultation with a supervisor.

• Trainers will ensure that every student has access to the course handbook, every MIP Policy and Procedure together with other relevant training manuals.

• Trainers will not exploit their status, financially or sexually.

• Trainers are expected to be members of MIP and to adhere to the UKCP/MIP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, as well as MIP’s Complaints Procedure in cases of alleged ethical misconduct.

   This policy will be reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months.                                                                    

Reviewed August 2019