Institute of Expert Witnesses

Providing specialist advice and support in accident cases

The Institute of Expert Witnesses offers professional impartial and independent advice and provides qualified expert opinions to support the legal process of resolving cases of accidents and injury.

What is a valid definition of “Supervision”?

What is a valid definition of “Supervision”?

In cases of recreation and sports injuries, sports qualifications and risk assessments often make allowances for activities to be conducted under “SUPERVISION” of lesser or non-qualified staff. 
The failure in this management strategy may lie in the “greyness” of the concept.  The question to ask is: Was the sports supervision a simple box ticking ploy to increase throughput? Was the Supervisor engaged in performing that specific role of observation, for example running a risk assessment in sports? Did the supervisor understand the responsibilities and the skill of observing?
To be meaningful the Supervision must to a greater extent be directed at the lesser qualified staff and be reasonably dedicated to the task without a distracting responsibility of another role, for example filling out registers or sports coaching/ teaching/ managing another group. It may be reasonable for 1 qualified member of staff to supervise a small number of assistants, but was the field of view realistic? 
On a case-by-case investigation, Expert Investigation and Reporting can greatly assist the court by assessing all the circumstances and making a reasoned statement on the efficiency and validity of the Supervision.

 

If you have any questions regarding Supervision or if you are involved in a sports injury or case, please do not hesitate to contact our Expert Witnesses on 0117 986 2194 or at enquiries@iew.org.uk.

An article signed by Trevor Low BA, Dip AD & ATD.
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