L-R: Stacey Collings, Michelle Drinkhall, Jan McAdam, Helen McManus and Naomi Rudd

Reflection on facilitating and receiving Resilience-based Clinical Supervision in secure inpatient services

By Jan McAdam, Consultant Nurse and Approved Clinician, and Helen McManus, Modern Matron and PNA, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust   

Over the past year, we have facilitated fortnightly Resilience-based Clinical Supervision (RBCS) sessions in a secure inpatient service for a group of Modern Matrons and Practice Development Practitioner nurses. These sessions have provided a structured, reflective and psychologically safe space designed to strengthen resilience, enhance emotional awareness, and support effective practice within a highly demanding clinical environment.

Facilitators

Jan’s comments:

I am passionate about ensuring nurses both receive and facilitate meaningful clinical supervision. Completing the Resilience-based Clinical Supervision (RBCS) facilitator training with the Foundation of Nursing Studies in 2021 significantly deepened my understanding of the emotional systems and how they shape day‑to‑day experiences. I learned how unchecked emotional activation can contribute to unhelpful thinking, behaviour, and team dynamics. This insight prompted me to rethink and reshape my supervisory style, placing greater emphasis on the restorative function of clinical supervision and the development of resilience. The training strengthened my self‑awareness and enhanced my ability to support others through reflective, compassionate, and constructive conversations. Using this model in practice has been rewarding, enabling more meaningful reflection, reframing of challenges, and improved outcomes for individuals and teams.

Helen’s comments:

I was initially introduced to RBCS through completing the Professional Nurse Advocate role and developed a keen interest in restorative supervision element of the A-EQUIP model. I am passionate about being involved and delivering RBCS to others and the positive impact this can have. I completed my RBCS training through the FoNS champion and cascade programme and have been involved in delivering it in a secure in-patient service setting. I have worked for around 20 years in nursing and have had a range of roles in different environments, RBCS has been the most successful and positive clinical supervision and has had an impact on my own and others’ well-being. RBCS supports professionals to strengthen their well-being, through building relationships and resilience within themselves and with others around them.

Participants’ feedback:

Resilience-based Clinical Supervision has been positively received by staff and is viewed as a valuable component of team development, emotional well-being, and clinical practice. Feedback indicates that the sessions consistently provide a safe, structured and respectful environment, where individuals can reflect on their work, share experiences and gain insight into colleagues’ perspectives. This protected time away from operational demands is regarded as essential for maintaining reflective capacity and psychological safety within the team.

Staff report significant benefits for both team functioning and service delivery. The sessions enhance understanding of colleagues’ emotional states, promote empathy and improve communication. The facilitated, solution‑focused approach helps prevent teams from becoming stuck in negative thinking patterns and supports a more balanced, compassionate mindset. The RBCS framework also enables participants to recognise the emotional systems they and others are operating within, contributing to healthier team dynamics and more supportive interactions with ward staff and peers.

There is clear evidence that RBCS contributes to positive changes in individual practice. Staff describe increased use of reframing, greater ability to respond compassionately to challenging behaviour and more confidence in coaching others toward problem‑solving. The sessions encourage broader systems thinking and strengthen resilience in day‑to‑day clinical challenges.

Overall, RBCS is viewed as highly beneficial, offering meaningful support to staff well-being, reflective capability and team cohesion. The sessions promote a culture of openness, emotional awareness and constructive problem‑solving that translates into improved practice across the service. Continued delivery is strongly recommended to sustain these gains and further embed reflective practice within the team.