Clinical supervision contract template (UK)
A clear supervision agreement saves awkward conversations later about fees, confidentiality and what happens if there is a concern. Here is what the professional bodies expect, and a template both of you can sign.
By the NoteSono team · Last reviewed · 4 sources checked
The short answer
A clinical supervision contract (or supervision agreement) sets out how supervision will work: how often you meet, fees and cancellations, confidentiality and its limits, the supervisor's records, what happens if there is a concern about practice, and, for trainees, how responsibility is shared with the course and placement.
BACP members with contracted clients need at least 1.5 hours of supervision each calendar month, and UKCP's guidelines for supervisors expect the expectations of both sides to be agreed, ideally as a contract. A free template is below.
What BACP and UKCP expect
Neither body publishes a compulsory form, but both set out what supervision must cover, and a written agreement is the easiest way to show you have it.
| Body | What it says |
|---|---|
| BACP, how much | At least 1.5 hours per calendar month for members seeing contracted clients, counted by calendar month rather than a rolling four weeks. Students also need 1 hour of supervision per 8 hours of counselling, and peer supervision does not count for them. |
| BACP, group supervision | In groups of up to four, each person can count half of the time; in groups of five or more, the time is divided equally. |
| BACP Ethical Framework | Supervision is for reflecting in depth, not just case management (points 60 and 61). Supervisors keep accurate records of key points discussed (point 71). For experienced practitioners, responsibility for the work rests mainly with the supervisee (point 67). |
| UKCP guidelines for supervisors | Agree the expectations of both sides, ideally as a contract, including time, fees, notice of breaks, the supervisor's policy on reports, limits of responsibility, and arrangements if therapy ends suddenly (sections 5.16 to 5.28). |
Check your own body
Free supervision contract template
Copy it into your own document, or download it as a Word file. Replace everything in highlighted brackets and delete what does not apply.
The clauses people most often leave out
What happens if there is a concern about practice
This is the clause nobody wants to need. Agreeing in advance that the supervisor will raise concerns directly first, and say in writing before contacting anyone else, protects the relationship and the clients.
Making up missed sessions in the same month
Because BACP counts by calendar month, a session missed at the end of the month can leave the supervisee short. Agreeing to rearrange within the month avoids a gap in the record.
The supervisor's notes
Supervisors keep notes about the supervisee and, indirectly, their clients. Say where they are kept, for how long, and that the supervisee can see them. That is also what UK GDPR expects.
The clinical will
Many therapists name their supervisor as a clinical executor without asking. Agree it explicitly, and record it here. See our clinical will template.
Other supervisors
UKCP's guidelines expect the supervisor to have an overview of the supervisee's whole caseload, including work supervised elsewhere. A line in the contract makes that routine.
Supervision contracts for trainees
For trainees, supervision usually involves four parties: the trainee, the supervisor, the training organisation and the placement provider. BACP's Ethical Framework (point 66) expects supervisors of trainees to work with the course and placement so that client work meets professional standards.
- Check your course's supervision policy first: many set their own ratio and reporting dates.
- Agree who holds clinical responsibility for placement clients. It is usually the placement provider.
- Record how the supervisor reports to the course, and who sees the reports.
- Log hours as you go, not at the end of the year. Our placement hours guide covers how.
Common questions
How much supervision do BACP members need?
At least 1.5 hours per calendar month while you are seeing contracted clients, and more if your caseload is full. Students also need 1 hour of supervision for every 8 hours of client work.
Does group supervision count towards BACP hours?
Yes, with a formula. In a group of up to four, each person can count half of the time; in a group of five or more, the time is shared equally. Students can use group supervision only when it has a facilitator.
Does a supervision contract have to be written?
No body requires a particular form, but a written, signed agreement is the clearest evidence of what was agreed. UKCP's guidelines say a supervisor who agrees a verbal contract should note it and the date.
How often should a supervision contract be reviewed?
At least once a year, and whenever something changes: the frequency, the fee, the supervisee's caseload, or a move from training to qualified practice.
Can my supervisor be my clinical executor?
Yes, if they specifically agree. It is a separate commitment, so record it in both the supervision contract and your clinical will.
Sources
Checked on 30 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
- BACP: How much supervision should I have? — monthly minimum, calendar months, group formula
- BACP Ethical Framework: supervision — Good Practice points 60 to 72
- UKCP Practice Guidelines for Supervisors (2018) — sections 5.16 to 5.28 on contracting
- BACP Supervision Competence Framework
This guide is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the guidance as we read it on the date above. Your professional body's and course's current guidance takes precedence.