Roles and Responsibilities

Higher Educational Institutions (HEI)

• HEI and/or Practice Educator to link with placement site to identify learning opportunities, determine who the onsite mentor will be, and establish whether a placement is possible.
• Identify and approve Practice Based Learning (PrBL) opportunities appropriate for long arm supervision.
• Ensure formal agreements are in place with PrBL providers, including governance, responsibilities, and data protection, and that all parties (Practice Educator and onsite mentor) understand their roles and ensure appropriate professional and public liability insurance is in place.
• Match learners with suitable long arm Practice Educators based on both the learning needs of the learners and the Practice Educators’ skills, experience, and the placement context.
• Remain available throughout the placement to offer support and guidance.

Long Arm Practice Educator

• Practice Educator and/or HEI to link with placement site to determine who the onsite mentor will be, and establish whether a placement is possible.
• Review all relevant HEI and host site documentation prior to placement.
• Engage in pre-placement planning with the learner, including visits where possible.
• Maintain regular contact with the learner and onsite mentor, offering guidance and supporting reflective practice.
• Assess the learner against agreed learning outcomes and contribute to mid-point and final evaluations.
• Ensure that any delegated tasks are appropriate to the learner’s competence and are covered by required insurance.

On-Site Supervisor

• Prepare the placement setting and team for the learner’s arrival.
• Provide day-to-day mentorship and ensure a named contact is always available to the learner.
• Support the learner’s induction and oversee their activities in line with the Learning Agreement.
• Maintain regular communication with the long arm Practice Educator and contribute to assessment processes.
• Ensure that any delegated tasks are safe, appropriate, and within the learner’s capability.
• Complete the required documentation and provide feedback on the placement experience.

Learner

• Consider a preplacement call/visit to meet Practice Educator and/or host setting to support preparation for the placement.
• Take responsibility for identifying learning needs and developing a Learning Agreement in collaboration with Practice Educator and shared with onsite mentor.
• Engage in regular reflection and share insights with both the long arm Practice Educator and onsite mentor.
• Seek clarification and support when needed, particularly around task delegation and safety.
• Ensure that all placement activities are completed within the agreed timeframe and contribute meaningfully to the setting.
• Participate in all agreed supervision activities and complete the required documentation and evaluations.

Your Insurance and Liability Responsibilities on Long-Arm Supervision Placements

Placements using long-arm supervision can take place in a variety of settings. You need to make sure you understand what insurance arrangements apply during your placement.

• Professional cover: Clinical negligence and liability cover may come from multiple sources, including your Higher Education Institution (HEI), the host setting’s employer policies, and your own professional body. Student membership with your professional body, may include insurance cover—so check the details of your membership.
• Before placement: Confirm with your HEI and host setting what insurance arrangements are in place and whether they cover you for all planned activities.
• Personal responsibility: You are responsible for your belongings and, if using your car during placement, ensure your insurance includes business use cover. This applies when driving for work beyond normal commuting, such as visiting clients, travelling between sites, or attending meetings.
• Reasonable precautions: Take steps to safeguard your belongings and clarify any uncertainties about cover before starting your placement.