hcpc registered occupational therapist, Supervisor & EDucator
Shaen Milward
MRCOT, BSc OT, MA Education and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Specialist Supervision for Occupational Therapists
Supervision, Education and Training
Based in the UK – working nationally
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Supports HCPC Audit Compliance
Regular supervision aligns with HCPC and RCOT standards, which emphasise reflection, development, and accountability – all essential if your practice is ever audited
Improves Quality of Care
Supervision has been linked to higher quality client care, ethical practice, and reflective decision-making
Reduces Stress
Supervision reduces stress, increases job satisfaction, and helps therapists cope with the demands of their roles
Enhances Growth
Supervision builds confidence and supports reflective, self-aware practice – key to ongoing growth and career development
What Is Supervision?
Supervision is a structured, collaborative process that supports occupational therapists to reflect on their practice, develop professionally, and uphold ethical and effective care. It’s a confidential space for thinking, learning, and growth – not performance management.
Who Is Supervision For?
Supervision is for all registered occupational therapists – from new graduates to senior leaders, across all settings. It provides a regular, supportive space to reflect, grow, and stay connected to your professional identity, whatever stage of your career you’re at.
What if im self employed or in a non-traditional role?
I have spent several years working in non-traditional occupational therapy roles, and I know first-hand how challenging and isolating that can sometimes feel. For a long time, I had very little support and often struggled to identify fully as an occupational therapist. Ironically, some of the most ‘OT’ roles I’ve held didn’t even have ‘occupational therapist’ in the job title!
Before training as an occupational therapist, I worked in business, which gave me a strong understanding of what it takes to run a business. Through later leadership roles, service redesign work, and working directly with commissioners, I’ve developed a clear grasp of the numbers that sit behind healthcare service delivery. For those looking to move into independent practice, I bring real-world insight into what it takes to get things up and running successfully.
Supervision can make all the difference — having someone in your corner, offering a sounding board, a sense-check, and helping to keep your work grounded in best practice. Good supervision isn’t just supportive; it’s empowering.
Will my employer pay for my supervision?
Yes – In many cases, employers are happy to invest in external supervision – it helps reduce burnout, offers independent support that may not be available internally, and can improve staff retention. Supported staff are more engaged, resilient, and satisfied in their roles.
Can you help me make a case to my employer for supervision?
Yes – There is extensive evidence demonstrating the benefits of supervision for individuals, teams, and organisations. I can provide you with information to support your case for funded supervision with me – click the link or email directly at [email protected].
Can I book supervision sessions as I need them?
Unfortunately not. Supervision is most effective as an ongoing monthly commitment – for both of us. One-off sessions aren’t offered, as consistency is key to building trust and creating the conditions for meaningful growth and support. Whether in a group or 1:1, the real value emerges over time as we get to know each other and deepen the work. Please bear in mind that I offer a free initial meeting/call to see if we’re a good fit.
Will there be lots of note-keeping and paperwork?
No! After each session, you’ll receive supervision notes from me that are mapped to relevant competencies. This makes record-keeping simple, organised, and all in one secure digital space.
Is supervision confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss will stay between us (and other group members, if you are in a group). Even if your employer is funding your supervsion, our supervision notes will not be shared. The only time details will be shared outside our sessions will be if there is a risk to yourself or others, or you request that our notes are shared with your employer.
Testimonials
“Shaen’s supervision is supportive, insightful, and empowering. He listens deeply, creates a safe space to reflect, and gently challenges thinking, helping me grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose”
“Shaen is supportive and encouraging. He is curious and questions you in a way that makes you think differently about your work, which always leads to better and more positive outcomes”
“Shaen takes time to truly understand issues and all perspectives before formulating an inclusive solution to problems, I have found him to be diligent, organised and highly principled”
“Shaen is thoughtful, calm, and people-focused. His reflective, compassionate approach creates safe, supportive spaces for growth, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes”
“I have observed Shaen’s supervision of others (postgraduate students) and been impressed with his ability to use coaching and mentoring skills effectively”
“Shaen is a clear communicator and an effective facilitator of learning and development. He adopts a coaching style, enabling students to discover and understand new concepts in meaningful ways”
What Do I Bring ?
Highly experienced Occupational Therapist and supervisor
I bring years of experience working independently across both community and in-patient settings — often in challenging, complex, and isolated environments.
I’ve worked across physical health, mental health, the third sector, and in a range of non-traditional occupational therapy roles. My practice has always been rooted in a strong foundation of core OT skills – including moving and handling, equipment provision, task analysis, and practical problem-solving. This broad experience allows me to adapt to a wide range of settings and client needs, always with a focus on function, dignity, and better patient and carer outcomes.
I understand how difficult it can be when your team doesn’t fully grasp the role or value of occupational therapy. In many of my non-traditional roles, I’ve had to actively develop and maintain a strong professional identity – not just for my own clarity, but to protect the integrity of the service and to help colleagues and organisations truly understand the breadth and impact of OT practice. This kind of work takes confidence, clarity, and persistence – and it’s something I support others to develop, too.
Skilled in service development across NHS and not-for-profit sectors
I’m experienced in designing and delivering new services in non-traditional settings, often working as the sole AHP and lone practitioner. This has meant establishing and maintaining a strong professional identity — both within organisations and directly with clients — contributing to service recognition, credibility, and successful commissioning.
Alongside this, I’ve led large-scale, trust-wide NHS service redesign initiatives involving multi-million-pound investments and complex stakeholder engagement.
Proven track record in delivering education
I’ve delivered both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching across a range of institutions, including the University of Plymouth’s Occupational Therapy programme, Marjon University, and Plymouth Medical School.
My teaching spans a variety of professional groups — from occupational therapy and medical students to members of the armed forces and those from the education sector. The majority of my teaching has been at Master’s level, where I bring depth, relevance, and real-world insight to support learner development.
An absolute commitment to CPD and evidence-based practice
As a lifelong learner, I’m deeply committed to ongoing professional development across all areas of my and others practice. I’m currently expanding my expertise in complex mental health through advanced training, supported by hands-on experience in a clinical placement.
Pen Portrait
I began my occupational therapy training in 2006, qualifying into roles within stroke rehabilitation and mental health. From the outset of my career, I have sought opportunities to broaden my practice across traditional and non-traditional settings. After my initial NHS clinical work, I moved into the third sector, developing an innovative vanguard project supporting people living with sight loss.
This work led me to further roles within the charity sector, supporting cancer survivors, before moving into end-of-life care. In this role, I was responsible for leading and managing services across both inpatient and community settings, developing a strong foundation in service development and cross-sector collaboration.
Alongside my clinical practice, I have maintained a deep commitment to education. I have been a visiting lecturer at two universities and held a teaching post on the University of Plymouth’s Occupational Therapy programme. I have also worked with Plymouth Medical School, facilitating reflective practice groups and supporting medical students’ professional writing skills.
More recently, I have worked within a large NHS acute trust, supervising multidisciplinary teams and leading organisation-wide change initiatives. These experiences have allowed me to develop a breadth of skills in leadership, service improvement, education, and clinical practice, while always staying grounded in the core values of occupational therapy.
Testimonials
“Shaen adopts a facilitative approach when supervising others, he is an extremely good listener who helps others to identify the best way forward for themselves”
“Shaen’s approach to teaching and delivering education is both professional and personable. He prepares thoroughly and ensures any resources and activities are fully inclusive.”
“I’ve felt valued, supported, and that Shaen and I complemented each other. Shaen is friendly, positive, listens and effectively identifies key factors to move things forward.“
“I have enjoyed working with Shaen who is calm, a good listener and supportive.“
“Shaen is a wonderful person and a joy to work with. Shaen always goes above and beyond to help and support, and always acts with trust and respect.“
My Approach
Supervision with me is a dynamic, responsive process—shaped by what matters most to you in that moment. That might be your wellbeing, navigating complex workplace dynamics, client work, or exploring your professional identity. I offer a space where you feel genuinely supported, with challenge, insight, and care. You’re not expected to figure things out alone — supervision offers a space to reflect, grow, and feel confident you’re meeting HCPC requirements.
I work with those:
✅ In private practice
✅ In role emerging or not-for-profit settings
✅ Who work in non-traditional settings
✅ Who are newly qualified, who may be forming professional identity and building confidence
✅ Who do not receive appropriate support in their workplace
