Traditionally in the United Kingdom no formal qualification was required to be a supervisor, but recently there have been major changes to the roles, functions and qualifications of supervisors. New forms of work organisation have led to opportunities either to enhance the role for first line supervision or else abolish it entirely. Also companies may choose to opt for either ‘managerial’ or ‘socially skilled’ supervisors, and graduates have increasingly been considered for supervisory positions. However, whatever route people follow in becoming supervisors, they increasingly need to be able to continue ‘learning while working’ as they carry out a role which is evolving rapidly in many workplaces.
