European supervision community shifts towards greater collaboration and innovation at ANSE Summer University 2023
A recent five-day conference organised by the European Association for Supervision and Coaching (ANSE) brought together nearly 180 supervisors and coaches from 15 to 20 countries across Europe for an intensive exchange of ideas, methods, and professional experiences. The event, held as part of the ANSE Summer University 2023 in Budapest, Hungary, was described by attendees as a deeply inspiring and enriching experience that reinforced the value of a shared European professional identity in supervision.
One participant, who registered with some initial scepticism about the relevance of this cross-national gathering, reflected on the remarkably positive outcomes. Despite doubts over how supervision practices might differ across contexts or whether a conference spanning multiple small topics could justify the time investment, the experience proved transformative. The conference was marked by an atmosphere of trust, openness, and profound personal and professional dialogue, embodying the ideal of European cooperation while emphasising democratic values, freedom, and openness. This participant noted that the event’s theme, “An ocean of possibilities,” was fully realised through the immersive engagement and diverse perspectives encountered during the five days. They highlighted the rich exchange of methods and tools, including new facilitation techniques and a bespoke card set designed for supervision practice. Moreover, the connections made are expected to influence ongoing and new supervision formats, increasingly adopting an international and European outlook. Plans are underway to continue these exchanges through international Intervision groups and future events, including the ANSE Summer University scheduled for 2027 in Iceland.
The ANSE Summer University is part of a broader European trend toward fostering international collaboration in the field. Previous Summer Universities, such as the 2022 event in Riga, Latvia, have focused on topical themes like power dynamics and human empowerment amid uncertainty, underscoring the evolving challenges faced by supervisors in contemporary contexts. The Budapest conference combined keynote speeches, workshops, homegroup sessions, and social activities, including reflective topics such as “Music for the Pain of the World” and explorations of cultural work environments. According to official event materials, the program was deliberately designed to promote professional development while strengthening the bonds across national boundaries.
Parallel to ANSE, the European Association for Supervision and Coaching (EASC), in collaboration with other professional bodies, has also been active in nurturing international dialogue. Their newsletters illustrate a commitment to exploring and disseminating best practices, organising large-scale events, and facilitating virtual congresses focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, and the intercultural dimensions of coaching and supervision. For example, the 2023 EASC Virtual Congress addressed the intersections of professional boundaries and cross-border cooperation, expanding on the theme of sustainable international supervision practices across Europe.
While the ANSE Summer University stands out for its intensive, in-person, and highly interactive model of gathering professionals, it is part of a constellation of initiatives reflecting a shared recognition that supervision and coaching thrive on continuous learning, cultural exchange, and innovation. These events echo a political and professional mandate to engage in cross-border dialogue that enriches practice and sustains democratic values within the profession.
In sum, the recent ANSE Summer University has reinforced the growing momentum toward European-wide collaboration in supervision. It offers a vivid example of how such gatherings deepen professional capacities while embodying the European ideal of unity in diversity. As participants look forward to future meetings and ongoing partnerships, the conference serves as an encouraging model for associations and trade bodies seeking to support the internationalisation of their member services and to foster vibrant, inclusive professional communities.