What Other Structures Support Preceptorship?

Preceptorship and other support structures

Preceptorship is designed to complement, not replace other support structures and processes of governance including induction, supervision, and appraisal. Preceptorship is focused on structured support aiding individuals to integrate into their new role however, other forms of support should continue as required, with some areas potentially overlapping. As outlined in the roles and responsibilities section, depending on the staffing within a team, the same AHP may act as supervisor, line manager and preceptor, therefore, supporting a staff member in multiple ways. Despite overlap, a clear agreement is required between Preceptee and Preceptor to ensure distinction made between meetings and other forms of support.

Preceptorship and induction

Induction is the process of welcoming and onboarding new employees to the organisation providing a structured introduction to the workplace, their role and local policy to allow the individual to settle into a new role. A preceptor may support elements of induction during the Preceptorship period although Preceptorship does not replace induction. It can continue after the induction phase is complete and can be an alternative support to induction after for example a long absence where organisational induction isn’t required.

Preceptorship and supervision

Supervision is a key element in supporting individuals though periods of transition.  Supervision is a safe place for professional development, growth and accountability using appropriate questioning, challenge, affirmation and structured reflection. Preceptorship can differ from supervision in that it is offered at specific times over the course of an AHP or HCSW career. It has a defined start and end point where the requirements may differ depending on which transition is being supported. Compare this with supervision which is provided continuously throughout an AHP or HCSWs career.

In supervision, a supervisee identifies their own supervision objectives and solutions however preceptorship is designed to assist earlier interventions around knowledge, skills and values where a preceptor may assist offering solution and feedback on performance. Although there are differences, supervision remains a key element in supporting individuals through a preceptorship journey.

See Scotland’s position statement for support and supervision for more information.

Allied health professions (AHP) support and supervision | Turas | Learn

Preceptorship and appraisal

The appraisal process is the recording of personal development plans and reflections and can also include performance review and objectives. Annual appraisal is still required as per local and national policy within your department. The objectives established during preceptorship can also serve as appraisal objectives if an appraisal is conducted during the same period. It is expected that the goals set for a preceptorship period may overlap considerably with personal development planning and department objectives. When preparing for an appraisal, preceptees may wish to discuss their preceptorship objectives to decide whether these are also relevant.