Supervision in ministry contexts has emerged as a vital component of practice, reducing isolation, strengthening support, and improving accountability and safety in ministry.
Since its initial pilot and introduction in 2015, supervision in the Methodist Church has developed through interim and draft policies into the current Reflective Supervision Policy (2021–26), which aims to; support ministers in the development of their practice and vocation, improve safeguarding, and ensure that Methodist ministry is accountably and collegially reflected upon in light of the mission of God (Responsible Grace, 2022).
Commissioned by the Methodist Church, the Susanna Wesley Foundation are conducting an independent review of this policy, evaluating how supervision is working in practice across the Connexion. Conducted by SWF Research Officer Dr Eilidh Galbraith, this research will explore:
- The impact on wellbeing, safeguarding, ministerial practice and culture of the current supervision policy and process.
- its accessibility across diverse ministries.
- the effectiveness of training and supervisory models and processes.
- how the current policy has been extended to diverse ministry groups.
- and the extent to which the current policy is still fit for purpose as the Connexion prepares for the next iteration in 2027.
This piece of research will take place between July 2026 and January 2027, inviting individuals involved in supervision across the Methodist Church to take part in a connexion wide survey, an individual interview with the researcher, role specific focus groups, and optional identity-based listening spaces, to discern how supervision is experienced and reflected upon by those engaged with it. Insights from research participants will directly inform recommendations for future policy and practice within the Methodist Church.
If you are interested in discovering more about this research, or in participating directly, please see links below:
Participant Information : Research into Supervision in Methodist Ministry 2026 – Fill out form
Registration of interest – Research into Supervision Policy 2021-2026 – Fill out form
