Book of the Week: Supervision, Learning and Assessment in Clinical Practice

Published Date: 17th August 2026

Now in its fourth edition, this updated book reflects the latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards, making it a useful resource for anyone involved in supporting learners in practice. Whether you're an experienced practice assessor or taking on a supervisory role for the first time, it combines practical tips with the theory behind effective clinical education.

The book offers straightforward, evidence-based advice on carrying out fair and reliable assessments, as well as guidance on handling some of the more challenging situations that can arise when working with students. It covers professional accountability and the legal considerations that may be involved in assessment decisions, helping assessors feel more confident in their role.

There is a strong focus on creating an inclusive learning environment, including guidance on supporting students with additional needs such as dyslexia. The book also looks at assessing professional behaviours and conduct, helping educators support the development of both clinical skills and professional standards.

One particularly useful chapter explores the well-known challenge of "failure to fail" and offers practical advice for situations where a student is not meeting the required standards. The emphasis throughout is on making fair, evidence-based decisions while maintaining patient safety and high standards of care.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone involved in supporting and assessing future healthcare professionals. It provides practical guidance, useful tools, and plenty of reassurance for those helping students develop into safe, competent, and confident practitioners.

Want to borrow this book?

You can reserve a copy by logging into our catalogue: https://bit.ly/4bA0KXn

If you don't yet have a library barcode, simply email library@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk. We can reserve the book for you and provide an electronic barcode if needed.

To browse more resources, visit the North West Libraries (NoW) catalogue: https://now.koha-ptfs.co.uk/.