Helpdesk
Long arm supervision happens where supervision is provided by an experienced clinician who is not based at the same location as the student. Students are usually supervised by a senior member of staff within the host organisation, and supported by an Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practice educator who is based in health care, higher education, local authority or a voluntary organisation.
On a day to day basis appropriate staff within the organisation will provide support and supervision. All those involved in the student placement will be invited to provide feedback to the Practice Educator as part of the overall assessment for the placement (at halfway and for the final report).
AHP long arm supervision is a focus of one of the current AHP Projects Progressing Practice-based Learning (PrBL). As part of this project a series of podcasts on long arm supervision are in development with available episodes highlighted below.
A recording of a bitesize CPD Event on long arm supervision (30 minutes) is available in the AHP PrBL Virtual Community (CPD Events Channel) along with the supporing PowerPoint slides.
Further information including how to join the AHP PrBL Virtual Community can be found here: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/R0pb9nizhMYnYZaf?ref=Link
Long Arm Supervision: Shaping Practice Based Learning
Access the podcast channel here: Long arm supervision: shaping practice-based learning podcast | NHS Education for Scotland. If you would like to get in touch with our podcast presenters please contact ahp.practice.ed@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Welcome to our podcast series designed for Allied Health Professionals to raise awareness and challenge common preconceptions about Long Arm Supervision in Practice Based Learning. Through insightful conversations with practice educators, learners, host settings and experts from NHS Education for Scotland and higher education placement coordinators, the podcast will explore the practicalities of this model. Topics covered will include its alignment with current policy, strategies for planning, setting up, delivering, and evaluating Long Arm Supervision placements, along with valuable tips, lessons learned, and next steps for future educators. This series seeks to inspire and equip professionals to effectively engage with this innovative model and enhance the learning experience for the next generation of health and social care practitioners.
© NHS Education for Scotland (2025). You can copy or reproduce the information in these podcasts for use within NHS Scotland and for non-commercial educational purposes. Use of this resource for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of NHS Education for Scotland.
Trailer for Long Arm Supervision: Shaping Practice-Based Learning, a series for practice educators that explores real-world experiences of Long Arm Supervision. Get a sneak peek of upcoming conversations with educators, learners, and experts, and discover how this model can transform practice-based learning. The trailer can be accessed here: Trailer for Long arm supervision: Shaping practice-based learning | Long arm supervision: Shaping practice-based learning podcast
Podcast Episode 1 – “Understanding Long Arm Supervision: Policy, Practice and Higher Education”
In this episode, we define Long Arm Supervision and dive into how it fits within the current health and social care agenda. Joined by Dr. Gareth Hill and Ailidh Hunter from NHS Education for Scotland, along with University staff Ashleigh Gray and Alison Gillespie, we explore why this model is gaining attention and discuss its key benefits for both learners and educators. Episode 1 – “Understanding Long Arm Supervision: Policy, Practice and Higher Education” can be accessed here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-752d4-17bdc06
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Podcast Episode 2: "Behind the Scenes: Educators Share the Secrets of Long Arm Supervision"
In this episode, practice educators Marie Peck (Physiotherapist), Claire Newlands and Marie Cowley (Speech and Language Therapists), and Angela Pointon (Occupational Therapist) share their journey with Long Arm Supervision. Discover why they embraced this model, how it works in action, and get their top tips for planning, delivering, and evaluating placements. With highs, lows, and key takeaways, this episode offers expert insights to help make Long Arm Supervision a success! Episode 2 : "Behind the Scenes: Educators Share the Secrets of Long Arm Supervision" can be accessed here https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-2uujy-17dcd2e.
‘The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.’
Podcast Episode 3 "Learning Across Landscapes: Student Stories from Long Arm Supervision"
In this episode, we hear from Occupational Therapy student Sarah Bracken, who completed a Long Arm placement in the Western Isles, sharing her unique learning journey. We also speak with her setting provider, JoAnn McConnachie, to explore how the placement was structured and supported her growth. Additionally, dietetic student Imogen Will reflects on a multidisciplinary Long Arm placement with Alzheimer’s Scotland, where a physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy student collaborated to deliver care. Discover how diverse settings and teamwork are shaping the future of practice-based learning! Episode 3 "Learning Across Landscapes: Student Stories from Long Arm Supervision" can be accessed here https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-z88iu-1805c3b
'The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.'
Episode 4: "Long Arm Supervision in Action: Turning Adversity into Opportunity"
In this episode, we explore a unique Long Arm Supervision placement that emerged after an injury, allowing physiotherapy student Megan Roberts to continue her studies. Hear from Mike Leavitt Physiotherapy Programme Lead, practice educator Claire Craig, and Megan herself as they discuss how the placement led to nationally recognised work. This episode highlights how long arm supervision can turn challenges into valuable learning opportunities.
Episode 4: Long Arm Supervision in Action: Turning Adversity into Opportunity can be accessed here https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kh2wy-1820ce3
'The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.'
Episode 5: "Paddle boarding for Progress: Long Arm Supervision in Unconventional Settings"
In this episode, we dive into an innovative placement with Central Scotland Adventures, where an Occupational Therapy student Molly Thompson, their practice educator Claire Hedley, and Rab Wallace setting provider share how a paddle boarding placement helped develop skills in an unconventional setting. Discover how this hands-on experience not only built practical expertise but also highlighted the value of creative placements in shaping well-rounded professionals. Episode 5: "Paddle boarding for Progress: Long Arm Supervision in Unconventional Settings" can be found here https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wg2hj-1842e8c
‘The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance’
Episode 6: " The Future of Long Arm Supervision: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead"
In this episode, we welcome back Rab Wallace from Central Scotland Adventures and Claire Hedley, Practice Education Lead, to hear how they ensure the fundamentals of building relationships, communication, and organisation are in place. We also speak to two students who share what they found challenging on their placement and speak about what could have been improved to better support their development. We also welcome back Ailidh Hunter, Senior Educator at NHS Education for Scotland; Ashleigh Grey, Practice Education Lead at Napier University; and Alison Gillespie, Occupational Therapy Lecturer at Robert Gordon University, to hear about their hopes for the future of Long Arm Supervision. We finish up the series by considering key lessons learned and our top 5 tips for success!
Here is Episode 6: " The Future of Long Arm Supervision: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead".
Further resources can be found at TURAS Learn - AHP -Long-Arm-Supervision and If you would like to get in touch with our podcast presenters please contact ahp.practice.ed@nes.scot.nhs.uk.