From mentor to supervisor and assessor: changes in pre-registration programmes

The new Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA) (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2018a) published in May present perhaps one of the most significant and long-awaited changes in learning and assessment in nursing for decades. They bring a shift from the previous mentorship approach, with mentors and sign-off mentors, to a coaching model of supervision and assessment, and introduce new roles of practice supervisor, practice assessor and academic assessor.

The new standards come into force at the end of January, and during 2019 the roles of mentor and sign-off mentor will cease. This raises questions over what will happen in the transition period. For example, practice learning partners and universities will face a dilemma with regard to the timing of the transition and the point at which mentorship programmes cease and new programmes to prepare supervisors and assessors commence. Discussions are ongoing between universities and practice partners across the country, as the imperative to maintain support for current students and the supply of high-quality placements remain a priority.