This Supervision contract is between you, the Supervisee, and Rachael Horan Counselling & Supervision, the Supervisor. You will be required to agree to the terms of this Contract prior to engaging in counselling supervision services.

I am registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to its Ethical Framework in order to ensure the wellbeing of both you, the supervisee, and myself. This Contract is designed with you in mind and underpins the professional supervisory relationship between us.

Commitment

Supervision involves your commitment, honesty (both with me and yourself), and willingness to engage reflectively with your professional practice. On my part, I provide commitment, honesty, and a supportive supervisory space, with respect for you as an individual and as a professional practitioner.

Drugs and alcohol

You agree to attend supervision sessions free from the influence of drugs or alcohol, as this may impair reflective capacity and professional engagement.

The benefits of supervision

Supervision provides protected time and a confidential professional space to reflect on client work, ethical responsibilities, professional development, workload, boundaries, and the emotional impact of practice. Through discussion, reflection, and evaluation, supervision supports ethical decision-making, safe practice, and professional development. Supervision is not therapy, nor a substitute for personal therapy.

The risks of supervision

Supervision may involve the exploration of complex or challenging professional material. This can evoke uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, self-doubt, or uncertainty. Supervision may also require honest reflection on professional limitations, ethical responsibilities, or practice concerns. Supervision is a collaborative process. The benefit gained will depend upon your engagement. Where appropriate, I may raise concerns, recommend additional supervision, training, personal therapy, or referral to other professional resources.

Confidentiality

Supervision is conducted within a confidential environment. Information shared will not be disclosed outside supervision except where disclosure is required by law, professional duty, or ethical responsibility. All client material presented in supervision must be anonymised. Confidentiality may be broken without your consent where: risk of serious harm to you, a client, or others; safeguarding concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults; disclosure is required by law; or evidence of serious criminal activity, including terrorism or money laundering. Where possible, disclosures will be discussed with you prior to action being taken. The Supervisor may seek professional consultation or supervision to maintain ethical standards. Any such consultation will preserve anonymity wherever possible.

Privacy and online supervision

Online supervision requires the use of third-party technology providers, which may include, but are not limited to, Zoom, FaceTime, email, and telephony services. While reasonable care is taken to use secure platforms, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when using digital technologies. By agreeing to this Contract, you consent to the use of such platforms and accept the inherent risks associated with online communication. Rachael Horan Counselling accepts no liability for the data handling, security practices, or service failures of third-party providers beyond reasonable professional control. You agree to take reasonable steps to protect confidentiality at your location, including the use of a private space, secure internet connection, and appropriate devices. Sessions may not be recorded without explicit written consent.

Geographical Location and Jurisdiction of Practice

Supervision services are offered and provided exclusively within the United Kingdom. By entering into this Supervision Contract, you confirm that you are ordinarily resident in the UK and that supervision sessions will be attended while you are physically located within the UK. Rachael Horan Counselling does not provide supervision to supervisees outside the UK. Supervision cannot be provided across international jurisdictions due to legal, ethical, and insurance limitations. If you misrepresent your location or attend supervision while outside the UK, you do so entirely at your own risk and liability. Rachael Horan Counselling accepts no responsibility or liability for any legal, regulatory, ethical, or insurance consequences arising from supervision being accessed outside the UK without disclosure or consent.

Your data

In accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, Rachael Horan Counselling maintains a data protection policy to safeguard supervisee information. As Supervisor, I have a legitimate professional and legal interest in holding personal data and supervision records. You have the right to request access to your data, request correction, or raise concerns in line with data protection legislation. I cannot accept liability for third-party data breaches where you have consented to the use of external platforms or services.

Data breaches

A data breach refers to the loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, or compromise of personal data. In the event of a breach occurring within my systems, appropriate action will be taken in line with GDPR requirements, including notification to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and affected parties where legally required. You are responsible for the security of your own devices, passwords, email accounts, and record-keeping systems. The Supervisor cannot be held liable for breaches arising from your own systems or third-party platforms outside the Supervisor’s control.

Sessions

Supervision sessions are for an agreed duration and take place at a pre-agreed day and time. Supervision frequency is the responsibility of the supervisee to ensure compliance with training, professional, or accrediting body requirements.

Record keeping

Brief typed supervision notes will be kept. These notes are factual, professional, and confidential. No identifying client information is recorded. Supervision records will be stored securely for five (5) years following the end of supervision, after which they will be securely deleted, unless a legal or professional requirement necessitates longer retention.

Insurance

Rachael Horan Counselling holds current public liability and professional indemnity insurance appropriate to supervision practice. Documentation is available upon request.

Holidays

Reasonable notice (normally two weeks) will be given for planned holidays by both parties wherever possible. Unavoidable cancellations may occur; reasonable notice is requested.

Complaints

Any concerns or complaints should be raised with me in the first instance. If resolution is not achieved, you may escalate the complaint to the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).

Cost of service and payment of fees

Fees are agreed prior to commencement. Payment terms are as outlined in the booking process and must be adhered to in order to maintain supervision services.

Session cancellations

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or rearrange a supervision session. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged at the full agreed fee. Rearrangement is preferred where possible for the same week to avoid additional charges.

Termination of Supervision

Either party may terminate supervision with reasonable notice. A final session is recommended to support professional closure, though this is not mandatory.

Jurisdiction and Governing Law

This Supervision Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising from or in connection with this Contract shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.