Supervision of IPCs
Supervisors support IPCs by providing feedback during regular meetings that can help overcome obstacles, fill in information gaps, increase motivation and help improve the quality of interventions. One full time supervisor for every 20 IPCs is a more common ratio.
- Structure of Supervision
In a pyramid management structure, the largest group of employees makes up the bottom block of the pyramid (e.g. 500 IPCs). These people would be in contact with 25 supervisors who make up the next block of the pyramid. These 25 supervisors might answer to 5 site managers who would be overseen by the core management team at the top of the pyramid. Identified obstacles would be brought up the chain, and new strategies and solutions would be sent from the top down.
- Help with monitoring
As the connection between the field and the central planners, supervisors can help with collecting and interpreting monitoring data to ensure that it is accurate and in line with field expectations.
- Provide basic management skills
The ability to manage others is an essential skill for supervisors. They need to be able to listen, provide constructive criticism, and seek advice from senior managers when necessary.
- Spot checks
The most common supervision technique is carrying out weekly or monthly meetings with IPCs. Observing IPCs at work is a more useful strategy and can help supervisors assess target group participation and ensure that the IPCs are carrying out their responsibilities.
- Peers help peers
Supervision can also be carried out by fellow IPCs. Working in teams allows IPCs to provide mutual support and constructive criticism. Linking new IPCs with veterans is a good way to provide orientation and supervision. By demonstrating the participatory techniques, supervisors can provide a positive model for IPCs.
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