Supervision frequency
There is no single supervision frequency that applies to every profession or role. The appropriate schedule depends on professional requirements, experience, workload and practice context.
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
Direct answer
There is no single supervision frequency that applies to every profession. Frequency should reflect professional requirements, experience, workload and practice context. For registered social workers in New Zealand, the Social Workers Registration Board requires professional supervision at least monthly.
Factors can include professional registration requirements, practitioner experience, complexity of work, level of responsibility, organisational policy, workload, risk and whether additional support is needed during a particular period.
It can. A practitioner and supervisor may decide that additional supervision is useful when work becomes particularly complex, responsibilities change, difficult situations arise or greater reflective support is needed.
Sources and further reading
Social Workers Registration Board: Professional Supervision →
Related resources
Understand the SWRB requirements for professional supervision in New Zealand, including monthly supervision, contracts, records, external supervision and professional responsibilities.
Read the guide →Learn what may happen in a professional supervision session, how to prepare and what reflective supervision can explore.
Read the guide →Learn what to consider when choosing a professional supervisor, including experience, cultural fit, independence, expectations and supervision approach.
Read the guide →Related UPUTĀUA service
