Dr Rebecca Frost
Aug 29

Supervising Under the New Code of Conduct: Guiding the Next Generation of Psychologists

Supervision has always been at the heart of our profession. With the introduction of the new Code of Conduct and updated competencies, supervisors are now more important than ever in ensuring early career clinicians (and psychologists more broadly) learn to navigate the expectations of contemporary practice.

What supervisors need to know

The Code of Conduct brings several shifts that directly impact supervision:

  • Reflexivity and self-awareness.  Supervisors need to help their supervisees explore their biases, blind spots, and decision-making (as well as practice this themselves).
  • Cultural safety as core practice.  Supervision conversations must explicitly include cultural assumptions, power dynamics, and respectful practice.
  • Competence-based language.  Supervision is no longer just about ethics in the abstract, but about observable skills and behaviours.
  • Systemic and organisational context.  Psychologists must learn how to advocate for ethical practice within teams and services.

What this means for your role

Supervisors are not only gatekeepers of competence and conduct.  You are also role models for how to live out the Code. The way you handle ethical challenges, acknowledge uncertainty, and integrate feedback will be noticed and mirrored by your supervisees.

Supporting supervisees through change

  • Normalise uncertainty. Supervisees may feel overwhelmed. Acknowledge this, and frame it as part of learning.
  • Integrate the Code into case discussions. Ask: “How does the Code guide us here?”
  • Encourage deliberate practice. Identify small, specific behaviours to develop between sessions.
  • Stay updated yourself. Supervisors must also engage in CPD and reflection to remain aligned with the new framework.

Looking ahead

This is an exciting chance to shape the next generation of psychologists. By embedding the Code into supervision, you’re not only ensuring compliance, you’re cultivating ethical, reflexive, and resilient practitioners.

At Benchmark Psychology, we are committed to supporting supervisors with targeted training and discussion groups so you can feel confident in this evolving landscape.

Ready to Deepen Your Supervision Practice?

The new Code of Conduct brings both responsibility and opportunity for supervisors. To support you in this transition, we’ve developed targeted training and community spaces:

Code of Conduct & Competencies Training.  Our comprehensive, case-based course designed to help you understand the changes and confidently apply them in supervision.

Small Group Supervisor Discussion Series capped at 30 participants, these sessions allow for deep, practical conversations with experienced peers about applying the new Code in real supervision scenarios.

By combining structured learning with peer discussion, you’ll be equipped to guide registrars effectively, stay aligned with regulatory expectations, and feel supported in your own supervisory role.