Code of Ethics

Purpose and Scope
The Code of Ethics of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland (ASI) sets out the ethical principles and standards of practice expected of all members. It applies across professions and is designed to promote integrity, accountability, respect, and excellence in supervisory practice.
This Code operates alongside, and does not replace, the ethical codes, standards, and regulations of each member’s professional discipline.
Full Members may use the post-nominal MASI (Member of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland) after their name while they maintain membership with the Association.

Fundamental Principles

1. Respect for Professional Diversity

Supervisors respect and value the professional backgrounds, training, and ethical codes of their supervisees.
Supervisors uphold the ethical standards of their own professional discipline in addition to this Code.

2. Integrity and Accountability

Supervisors act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all supervisory relationships.
Supervisors take responsibility for their professional decisions and their impact on supervisees, clients, and the wider community.

3. Confidentiality

Supervisors maintain confidentiality in supervision, except where there is a legal, ethical, or safeguarding duty to disclose information.
Limits of confidentiality are clearly communicated in supervision contracts.

4. Competence and Professional Development

Supervisors maintain and develop their knowledge, skills, and reflective capacity through ongoing professional development.
Supervisors engage in regular supervision of their own practice with a suitably qualified supervisor.

Professional Practice Standards

1. Supervision Agreements

Each supervision relationship is governed by a written contract or working agreement.
For group supervision, a group contract is established, agreed upon, and revisited as needed.
Contracts include clarity on boundaries, confidentiality, roles, responsibilities, frequency, and reviews.

2. Insurance and Liability

Supervisors ensure that appropriate professional indemnity cover is in place for the supervision they provide. Where supervision is delivered as part of an employed role, the employer’s organisational indemnity will normally apply. Where supervision is offered independently or in private practice, supervisors are required to hold their own professional indemnity insurance.
The Association does not provide indemnity or liability cover for members’ practice directly. ASI is affiliated with an insurance broker who provides supervision insurance and all contractual obligations remain between the insurer and the supervisor.

3. Boundaries

Supervisors must not use supervision spaces for personal, financial, or organisational gain beyond the agreed contract.
Supervisors will maintain professional boundaries, avoid dual relationships, conflicts of interest and the exploitation of supervisees.

4. Ethical Decision-Making

Supervisors use reflexive and consultative processes when facing ethical dilemmas. Where necessary, supervisors should seek guidance from their own supervisor, and/or professional body and/or peers.
Some practical steps for handling ethical decision-making include but are not limited to:

Engaging in structured reflection, such as journaling, reflective supervision, or case discussion, to examine the ethical dimensions of a situation.
Consulting with peers, mentors, or supervision colleagues to explore alternative perspectives and potential courses of action.
Documenting key reflections and decisions made, ensuring transparency and accountability in supervisory practice.
Referring to their professional body or relevant regulatory guidance when the dilemma involves discipline-specific ethical standards or legal obligations.
Maintaining confidentiality and respect for all parties while seeking guidance or support.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

Supervisors shall respect and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising the impact of culture, identity, and systemic inequalities on supervisees and clients.
Some practical steps for inclusivity & culturally sensitive practice include but are not limited to:

Supervisors must reflect on their own biases and assumptions and their potential impact on supervision.
Foster a supervisory environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all supervisees.
Adapt supervision approaches to be culturally responsive and equitable, taking account of the diverse needs and contexts of supervisees and clients.
Challenge discriminatory practices, policies, or behaviours observed in supervision or in organisational settings.
Encourage supervisees to consider and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own practice.

6. Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Supervisors have a duty to promote supervisees’ wellbeing and safe practice.
Supervisors address any unethical, harmful, or unsafe practice, considering limits of competence and fitness to practice standards, while supporting supervisees to restore professional standing and ensuring the safety and well-being of service users.

Responsibilities of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland

1. Setting Standards

The Association of Supervisors in Ireland are committed to:

Developing and maintaining the Code of Ethics and related practice standards.
Reviewing and updating these standards regularly in response to evolving practice, research, and legislation.

2. Guidance & Support
ASI supports supervision-specific ethical issues.

Broader disciplinary ethics (e.g., social work, nursing, psychology) remain under the remit of the statutory or professional body. Members are encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate professional body for discipline-specific ethical matters.
ASI offers access to resources, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

3. Membership Integrity

ASI is committed to:

Establishing clear criteria for membership and accreditation to ensure that all members uphold the Code of Ethics.
Applicants are required to complete a membership application form, provide evidence of relevant qualifications, participate in an online meeting, and pay the accreditation fee of €60 and a monthly membership fee of €10. Applicants must also have adequate indemnity in place for themselves and obtain confirmation from their supervisor that they have completed a minimum of 50 hours of supervisory practice. Upon successful accreditation, members are assigned a unique membership number and issued a certificate of membership. Once membership is activated, members are expected to maintain their compliance with the Code of Ethics, keep their indemnity arrangements current, and participate in any required continuing professional development. ASI is responsible for reviewing applications, granting accreditation, and monitoring members’ ongoing adherence to professional and ethical standards.
Pre-accredited membership of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland (ASI) is available at an annual fee of €30. Pre-accreditated members will not be listed in the official ASI Membership Directory and may not present themselves as full members of the Association. Furthermore, pre-accredited members are not permitted to use ASI membership as a professional credential in any context.

4. Accountability Framework

ASI have a transparent complaints and disciplinary process where breaches of the code are alleged.
ASI upholds fairness, due process, and proportionality in dealing with complaints.

Responsibilities to the Association

Members uphold the reputation of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland.
Members must not misrepresent their qualifications, membership status, or supervisory competence.
Breaches of this code may result in review, sanctions, or removal from membership.

Review and Renewal

This Code of Ethics will be periodically reviewed to remain relevant, clear, and consistent with best practice in supervision across professions. Members will be consulted in the review process.