Confidentiality in Professional Supervision
Learn how confidentiality can operate in professional supervision and why boundaries, record keeping and disclosure expectations should be agreed clearly.
Read the guide →Starting supervision clearly
A supervision agreement establishes how the supervision relationship will work and helps make expectations explicit before regular sessions begin.
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

Direct answer
A supervision agreement is an agreed framework for the supervision relationship. It can define the purpose of supervision, roles and responsibilities, session frequency, confidentiality, record keeping, review processes and how concerns will be managed.
Useful areas to clarify include the purpose and goals of supervision, roles, responsibilities, frequency, session duration, confidentiality, records, communication between sessions and how the arrangement will be reviewed.
Clear contracting reduces uncertainty and gives both parties a shared understanding of what the supervision relationship is intended to provide.
Yes. Supervision needs can change as roles, responsibilities and professional circumstances develop, so the agreement can be reviewed and updated where necessary.
Sources and further reading
Related resources
Learn how confidentiality can operate in professional supervision and why boundaries, record keeping and disclosure expectations should be agreed clearly.
Read the guide →Understand the SWRB requirements for professional supervision in New Zealand, including monthly supervision, contracts, records, external supervision and professional responsibilities.
Read the guide →Learn how to prepare for a professional supervision session by identifying key situations, questions, patterns and goals for reflection.
Read the guide →Related UPUTĀUA service