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 shall respect and value the professional backgrounds, training, and ethical codes
of their supervisees.
Members must uphold the ethical standards of their own professional discipline in addition
to this Code.
2. Integrity and Accountability
Supervisors are expected to act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all
supervisory relationships.
Supervisors shall take responsibility for their professional decisions and their
impact on supervisees, clients, and the wider community.
3. Confidentiality
Supervisors shall maintain confidentiality in supervision, except where there is
a legal, ethical, or safeguarding duty to disclose information.
Limits of confidentiality must be clearly communicated in supervision contracts.
4. Competence and Professional Development
Supervisors shall maintain and develop their knowledge, skills, and reflective
capacity through ongoing professional development.
Supervisors shall be engaged in regular supervision of their own practice with
a suitably qualified supervisor.

 

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Professional Practice Standards

1. Supervision Agreements
Each supervision relationship must be governed by a written contract or working agreement.
For group supervision, a group contract must be established, agreed upon, and
revisited as needed.
Contracts must include clarity on boundaries, confidentiality, roles, responsibilities, frequency, review processes, and complaints procedures.
2. Insurance and Liability
Supervisors must 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.
3. Boundaries
Supervisors will maintain professional boundaries, avoiding dual relationships,
conflicts of interest, or exploitation of supervisees.
Supervisors must not use supervision spaces for personal, financial, or organisational gain beyond the agreed contract.
4. Ethical Decision-Making
Supervisors shall use reflective and consultative processes when facing ethical
dilemmas. Where necessary, supervisors should seek guidance from their 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 must take appropriate steps if they become aware of unethical,
harmful, or unsafe practice by supervisees.

 

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.
Student membership of the Association of Supervisors in Ireland (ASI) is available at an annual fee of €30. Student members shall not be listed in the official ASI Membership Directory and may not present themselves as full members of
the Association. Furthermore, student 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.
5. Representation & Advocacy
ASI will act as a representative of the profession of supervision in Ireland.
ASI will advocate for recognition of ethical, high-quality supervision within organisations and society.
6. Promoting Reflective Culture
ASI encourages reflective practice, peer dialogue, and professional growth
within the supervision community.
 

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Responsibilities to the Association

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

 

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Responsibilities to the Association

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.