Choosing an Approved Supervisor

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Finding a supervisor may feel overwhelming, but the process can be made easier with the following steps :

Step 1: Clarify what you need

Before looking at the Approved Supervisor Directory, ask yourself:

• • Do I prefer face-to-face, or am I comfortable with online? (Most supervisors offer online options)
  • Do I want a supervisor with experience in my ministry area? (e.g. youth work, chaplaincy, parish ministry)
  • Is it important that my supervisor shares my church denomination experience, or do I want a someone from outside of this perspective?
  • What elements matter most or are important to me? (e.g. gender, culture, personality)
  • What practical factors affect my choice, whilst being aware of the BUNZ requirements regarding frequency of external supervision? (Cost, availability, frequency, location)
  • What have I learned from previous supervisory relationships that I want to take forward into this new supervisory relationship (positive and negative) ?

Step 2: Explore the Approved Supervisor Directory

• • Read through profiles to see supervisors’ specialisms, training, and ministry experience. 💡Tip: Use the search function in the Supervision Directory to assist.
  • Shortlist 2–3 supervisors who look like a good fit for you.

Step 3: Contact and Ask Questions

Connect with those on your shortlist, and consider asking:

• • What is your experience supervising ministers or workers in contexts like mine?
  • What qualifications/ongoing training do you have?
  • Do you have experience in my ministry area? (E.g., parish ministry, chaplaincy, youth work, cross-cultural ministry.)
  • How often would you be able to meet (e.g. monthly), and at what times?
  • Do you offer in-person, online, or both?
  • What do you expect from me as a supervisee?
  • How do you support both professional skills and personal/spiritual growth?
  • What are your fees?
  • Can you provide references or feedback from previous supervisees?

💡 Tip: Consider booking a trial session before making your final decision.

Step 4: Check for Conflicts of Interest

To keep supervision safe and effective, you cannot choose a supervisor with whom you already have a personal, pastoral, or professional relationship. This includes (but is not limited to):

• • A family member

  • Someone from your own church or pastoral cluster

  • Your Regional Leader

  • A close friend, colleague, or mentor

These relationships can create blurred boundaries and reduce the objectivity of supervision.

Step 5: Confirm and Begin Supervision

• Choose the supervisor who feels like the best fit.

• Confirm expectations, costs, and frequency of meetings. Approved supervisors will have an External Supervision Support Agreement (ESSA) containing all of this. You may want to talk this through before starting ongoing sessions, or at your trial session, if you feel to proceed.