Voluntary removal guidance

Last updated: 11 March 2025

• About this guidance
• About voluntary removal
• Applying for voluntary removal
• Our decision making process
• Outcomes
• Further information

About this guidance

Who this guidance is for

This guidance is for (all of the following):

• Social Work England
• registered social workers and their representatives involved in active fitness to practise proceedings

This guidance may also be helpful for people who have raised a concern about a social worker. In particular, where we have informed them that we are considering an application for voluntary removal.

The voluntary removal process is only suitable for social workers who (both of the following):

• have stopped practising or intend to stop practising immediately
• have no intention to return to social work practice in the future

However, there may be occasions where we accept a voluntary removal application from a social worker who wishes to restore in the future. For example, if they have a health condition. See the section on ‘health concerns’ in this guidance for more information.

What this guidance is about

If a social worker is subject to fitness to practise proceedings, they may ask us to remove them from the register. We refer to this as fitness to practise voluntary removal. If we agree to this request, we will conclude the fitness to practise proceedings. This means there will be no need for a case examiner decision or final hearing.

This guidance explains how we deal with voluntary removal requests during fitness to practise proceedings.

Social workers not involved in ongoing fitness to practise proceedings may remove themselves from the register at any time. There is separate guidance on leaving the register.

About voluntary removal

What is voluntary removal?

Our Regulations state that we (‘the regulator’) may remove a social worker from the register whilst they are subject to fitness to practise proceedings.

This means we can close the case with no need for (any of the following):

• a case examiner decision
• a final hearing
• reviews of a conditions of practice or suspension order

You can read more about the different stages that a social worker can apply for voluntary removal in the next section.

A social worker can request voluntary removal from the register during their fitness to practise process. However, they must confirm that they have no intention to practise in the future.

When can you apply for voluntary removal?

Social workers may apply for voluntary removal at any time during ongoing fitness to practise proceedings. This includes (any of the following stages):

• when we are considering concerns at the triage stage
• when we are investigating concerns prior to a case examiner decision
• when the case examiners have referred concerns to a fitness to practise hearing
• when the outcome of a case examiner decision or adjudicators decision has resulted in a conditions of practice or suspension final order

Is voluntary removal right for you?

We recognise that a social worker who is undergoing fitness to practise proceedings may wish to leave the register. For example, if the social worker has a serious health condition that prevents them from practising as a social worker (and they do not expect their condition to improve).

We will carefully balance (both of the following):

• the social worker’s reasons for applying for voluntary removal
• whether there is public interest in the fitness to practise processes continuing to its conclusion

If there is no public interest, we are likely to grant voluntary removal. This will end the fitness to practise process.

Social workers should think carefully about whether applying for voluntary removal is right for them.

In some cases, the social worker may benefit from allowing the fitness to practise process to conclude before they decide whether to stay registered with us. This is because the final outcome of the fitness to practise process may be less restrictive than voluntary removal. For example, case examiners or adjudicators may close the case without any further action, issue an unpublished or published advice or warning, conditions of practice, or a suspension. These outcomes mean a social worker can continue practising, or return to practise in the future.

Social workers can seek restoration to the register after being voluntarily removed. However, we will take the voluntary removal into account when we consider the restoration application. This includes (both of the following):

• any admissions that the social worker has made about to their fitness to practise
• the declaration that they made that they did not intend to practice or restore to the register

We strongly advise that social workers considering voluntary removal seek advice from their legal advisor or any representative body that they are a member of.

Applying for voluntary removal

How to apply for voluntary removal

To apply for voluntary removal, you must complete the voluntary removal application form. You will need to use a PDF reader to complete the form.

You must fully complete, sign and date the form, and provide the relevant information. Otherwise, we may not consider the voluntary removal application.

Send the completed form and any supporting documentation via email. Who you send this to depends on what stage your case has reached.

You should send the form and documentation to the member of staff allocated to the case if (either of the following):

• your case is at the triage, investigations stage or you are awaiting a final hearing
• you have a final order for conditions of practice or suspension

If you are unsure who to send the form to please email a copy of the form to enquiries@socialworkengland.org.uk.

It may be helpful to seek support to complete the form. For example, from your representative.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements which prevent you from using the form, you can email enquiries@socialworkengland.org.uk or call us on 0114 349 4308. We will support you to complete the application.

Completing the application form

The form will ask you (or the person completing the application on your behalf) to provide further information. This includes (all of the following):

A formal, signed declaration from you

This should confirm that (all of the following):

• you are not currently practising (or you intend to stop practising immediately)
• you do not intend to practise in future
• all information supporting the voluntary removal application is accurate and true
• in the event that we remove you from the register, you will not apply to be restored to the register at any point in the future

In the declaration, you will need to confirm that you understand the impact of voluntary removal on any subsequent application to be restored to the register. If you make an application to be restored to the register in future, we will take into account (both of the following):

• the declaration (stating that you had no intention to practise in future)
• the original fitness to practise concerns and any admissions you made

We will also ask you to acknowledge that we may share information provided as part of the voluntary removal process. We may share information with (any of the following):

• any regulatory, licensing or public authority (in suitable circumstances when voluntary removal has been agreed
• employers (in suitable circumstances when voluntary removal has been agreed)
• the case examiners and the adjudicators (in the event that the voluntary removal application is refused and the fitness to practise case proceeds)

The reasons for the request for removal (and any supporting documentation available in relation to those reasons)

This may include, but is not limited to, any of the following.

If illness is preventing further work as a social worker (both of the following):

• confirmation of the condition
• medical evidence to confirm that further practice is not possible or advised in the circumstances

In the case of retirement:

• suitable evidence to support that you have retired (for example, confirmation of retirement from your most recent employer)

In the case of migration overseas (any of the following):

• evidence of an overseas address
• evidence of an overseas employer
• evidence of registration with the appropriate licensing body

If you are working (or intend to work) in a social care role, information that supports this (which may include any of the following):

• any confirmation of the change in role
• a copy of the relevant job description

A summary of your response to the concerns raised about your fitness to practise

In particular, you should state (both of the following):

• whether you admit any or all of the concerns
• whether you accept that your fitness to practise is impaired

In some cases, you may partially admit to the concerns. If so, you should explain the basis for that partial admission within your voluntary removal application.

Admissions to fitness to practise concerns are not required for us to agree to voluntary removal. However, your response will be relevant when we consider whether there is a public interest in the fitness to practise proceeding continuing.

Information about your future intentions

You should provide a statement setting out (both of the following):

• your reasons for wanting to leave the profession
• your future intentions

After you submit the application

Requesting further information

Before we decide on an application for voluntary removal, we may request further information or evidence from any person. We will do this where we consider it necessary to make our decision.

We will always give you a minimum of 14 calendar days to provide information or evidence. We may give more time from the outset, if this is reasonable in the circumstances. For example, if we are seeking medical evidence, or if you have an underlying health condition that means you need more time to respond.

If you need more time to provide this information, you should make a request for an extension as soon as possible. You should also set out the reasons why you need additional time.

If we do not receive the information required within the additional or extended timescales (without reasonable explanation), we may close the application for voluntary removal. The fitness to practise process will then progress as usual.

Using admissions and evidence

In a voluntary removal application, we will ask you to provide a response to the fitness to practise concerns. You may (do one or both of the following):

• make admissions to the fitness to practise concerns
• provide evidence relevant to those concerns

You should be aware that we can rely on and use these as part of the fitness to practise proceedings. This means that we can provide this information to the case examiners or adjudicators for their consideration.

You should not make admissions to concerns which you do not accept. We strongly advise you seek advice on voluntary removal from your legal advisor or any representative body that you are a member of.

Our decision making process

Decision makers

The executive director for regulation (‘executive director’) will consider applications for voluntary removal. Alternatively, their delegate (who makes decisions on behalf of the regulator) will consider applications.

A senior member of the fitness to practise team will carry out an initial assessment of suitability. They will prepare a brief report with recommendations.

We will put this report  before the executive director (or their delegate). This will assist with their decision making. We will also include the application and supporting evidence provided by the social worker.

The executive director can make any of the following decisions:

• grant the application
• reject the application
• request further information to assist in making a decision

How we decide whether to grant voluntary removal

The executive director will consider the following factors when deciding whether to grant voluntary removal.

Public protection

Our primary objective is public protection. This means that we will not grant a voluntary removal unless (both of the following):

• we are satisfied that voluntary removal is the best way to ensure public protection
• we are satisfied that no further regulatory action is necessary to ensure public confidence in social workers and to uphold professional standards.  We refer to this as ‘the public interest’

Is voluntary removal the best way to ensure public protection?

In some circumstances, allowing someone to leave the register quickly (without further action) will be the best way to satisfy the public interest and ensure public protection. Voluntary removal means the public is immediately protected from the risk of harm from the social worker’s practice. The social worker will sign a declaration that they won’t practise as a social worker in the future. We also publish the removal outcome.

Would further regulatory action better serve public protection?

In some circumstances, public protection and the public interest may be better served by the fitness to practise process proceeding as usual. For example, (any of the following):

• the investigators carrying out more extensive investigation of the case (to establish the extent and seriousness of the alleged failings)
• the case examiners considering the case (at the case examiner stage)
• the adjudicators considering the case (at a public hearing) and making findings in relation to impairment
• the case examiners or adjudicators imposing a final order (such as conditions of practice, suspension or removal
• the regulator publishing the full written decision

Where concerns do not relate to professional practice

Some concerns may not directly relate to a social worker’s professional practice. In these cases, it’s unlikely we’ll reject the voluntary removal application. We’ll only do this if the concerns are serious and relate to the social worker’s (any of the following):

• character
• trustworthiness
• attitude

For example, we may reject the voluntary removal application where the concerns relate to dishonest or harmful conduct.

Stage of the investigation

Social workers can make an application for voluntary removal at any stage in the process. However, we will consider the stage at which the social worker makes the application. This may be relevant when considering whether there is a public interest in the fitness to practise proceeding concluding. For instance, if the social worker makes the voluntary removal application at an early stage of the process. In this scenario, we may not have enough information available to assess the seriousness of the concerns.

Triage and investigation stage

We will not usually grant voluntary removal until we have completed our investigation into the regulatory concerns. This is because we can usually only fully assess the case once we have gathered and assessed all available information. We need to fully understand the nature and severity of the concerns raised. We consider that this may also be in the social worker’s best interests. For instance, at the end of the investigation, we may think that the case could be suitable for closure with no further action. If so, we will consider placing a recommendation for closure before the case examiners. If the case examiners accept our recommendation for closure, the fitness to practise case will be closed. The social worker may then leave the register through the normal route. This means that they won’t be subject to the conditions attached to a voluntary removal.

The investigation is usually considered complete when the case investigation report has been completed and the case is ready to be considered by the case examiners. However, there may be exceptional circumstances in which voluntary removal may be agreed at this early stage (see ‘exceptional circumstances’ below).

In some cases, a social worker may apply for voluntary removal before the investigation has concluded. If we reject the application, it may be appropriate for the social worker to submit a fresh application at the end of the investigation. At this stage, we are more likely to have enough information about the concerns to fully assess the application. We will also make the social worker aware of our position with respect to the fitness to practise concerns. Namely, whether we will be recommending the case for closure.. This can assist the social worker in deciding whether to make an application.

Exceptional circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, we may determine before we complete the investigation that there is no public interest in progressing it further. For example, when a social worker requesting removal is suffering from a very serious health condition.

Case examiner stage

In some cases, a social worker may apply for voluntary removal after the case examiners have started their review of the case. By ‘started the review’, we mean (both of the following):

• the investigators have sent the case investigation report and bundle of evidence to the case examiner operations team
• we have allocated the case to the case examiners for consideration

In this scenario, we will usually place the application on hold until the case examiners have reached a decision. This is because the decision making process has already begun. Considering the application at this stage may unnecessarily delay the fitness to practise process.

This may also be in the social worker’s best interests. Depending on the decision the case examiners make, the social worker may be able to leave the register through the normal route. This means they would not need to agree to voluntary removal. For example, if the case examiners make a finding of no impairment (with advice or warning) or a finding of impairment with no further action, advice or warning.

Once the case examiners have finished their decision making process, we consider the voluntary removal application. We’ll consider the application if the case examiners (do any of the following):

• impose conditions of practice
• impose suspension
• refer the case to a hearing

In these circumstances, we may ask the social worker (and in some cases, the complainant) to provide further information. This is because there may be more relevant information available following the case examiner’s review of the case. Plus, the social worker may have changed their mind about the voluntary removal application.  We will consider this information alongside the voluntary removal application.

When considering voluntary removal in these instances, the executive director (or their delegate) will take account of the voluntary removal application and (all of the following):

• the case examiner’s decision
• any further submissions from the social worker
• any further submissions from the complainant (if sought)

Hearings stage (following a case examiner decision to refer to a hearing)

The social worker can apply for voluntary removal if the case examiner decision is to refer the case to a hearing.

When considering voluntary removal in these instances, the executive director (or their delegate) will take account of the voluntary removal application and (all of the following):

• the case examiner’s decision to refer the concerns
• any further submissions from the social worker
• any further submissions from the complainant (if sought)
• any further information gathered after the case examiner decision (such as witness statements)
• any response to the concerns that the social worker has provided as part of the pre-hearing case management process

It is unlikely we will consider applications for voluntary removal made within 21 days of the final hearing listing date. We be place the application on hold until the hearing has concluded. This is because we consider the hearing process has begun at this stage. Considering the application at this stage may unnecessarily delay the fitness to practise process. We will consider the voluntary removal application when the hearing has concluded.

After a final hearing

In some cases, the social worker can apply to leave the register through the normal route after the final hearing. However, they cannot do this if the result of the hearing is (either of the following):

• a conditions of practice order
• a suspension order

Instead, they may make a request for voluntary removal once the hearing has concluded.

When considering voluntary removal in these instances, the executive director (or their delegate) will take account of the voluntary removal application and (all of the following):

• the adjudicators’ decision
• any further submissions from the social worker
• any further submissions from the complainant (if sought)

It is likely that we will grant voluntary removal at this stage. This is because the public interest will have been satisfied by the hearings process. Removing the social worker from the register will also protect the public.

The nature and seriousness of the concerns

When considering voluntary removal, we will consider the nature and seriousness of the concerns.

The regulatory concerns must not be so serious that, if proved (one or both of the following):

• there may be a presumption of impaired fitness to practise
• the case examiners or adjudicators would likely impose a removal order

This is unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Our sanctions guidance sets out (both of the following):

• the types of concerns where there is likely to be a presumption of impairment
• examples of concerns that are more likely to require a removal order

These include sexual misconduct, violence, dishonesty, abuses of trust, or discrimination involving a protected characteristic.

Misconduct concerns

When considering the seriousness of misconduct concerns, the executive director (or their delegate) will take into account (both of the following):

• whether the alleged misconduct occurred in the social worker’s private life
• any relationship between the misconduct and the social worker’s professional practice

Serious misconduct cases (that we consider are incompatible with continued registration) are unlikely to be suitable for voluntary removal. For example, cases involving deliberate harm, dishonesty or neglect. In these cases, we consider that voluntary removal is unlikely to (do any of the following):

• adequately protect the public
• promote public confidence in the professions
• uphold proper professional standards and conduct

We will usually refer serious misconduct cases to our case examiners (or adjudicators at a final hearing). This is because a removal order is likely to be more appropriate to protect the public, maintain public confidence and uphold standards

Competency concerns

Competency concerns suggest that the social worker may lack the knowledge and skills to carry out their role in a safe and effective manner.

Generally, we consider cases about professional competence to be less serious than cases that involve misconduct. This is why removal orders are not available in the first instance in competency cases.

We consider competency cases to be less serious than misconduct cases because (both of the following):

• there is a possibility that the social worker can address the issue through training and remediation
• issues of competency do not usually show a failure to uphold fundamental social work principles (such as honesty and integrity)

As such, it may be less likely that we need to carry out the full fitness to practise process to uphold public confidence.

When determining whether a case that involves competency concerns is suitable for voluntary removal, the executive director (or their delegate) will consider (all of the following):

• the seriousness of the competency concerns
• whether there is evidence that the competency concerns contributed to actual harm (or created a realistic (not remote) and serious risk of harm)
• whether a lack of competence is the only concern that we are investigating. If we are investigating other concerns alongside the competency issues, we will consider the nature and seriousness of those concerns

Health concerns

If the social worker’s health is the sole issue of regulatory concern, we are likely to grant voluntary removal. This is because there is unlikely to be any public interest in pursuing health concerns if the social worker is seeking voluntary removal.

We recognise that in some cases, the social worker may be so unwell that they are not able to (do either of the following):

• engage fully with the voluntary removal process
• show insight into their health condition

We will take this into account when deciding whether to grant the voluntary removal application.

In cases that only involve health concerns, we may grant voluntary removal to a social worker who intends to restore to the register in future. This may happen if their health condition improves to the extent that it no longer affects their ability to practise safely and effectively. We will be able to consider evidence in relation to the social worker’s current health at the point that they apply to restore to the register.

Health concerns alongside other concerns

We may investigate a health concern alongside other fitness to practise concerns. For example, misconduct or competency concerns.

Health may also be a contextual factor that is related to other concerns. For example, if the social worker was experiencing stress and anxiety while their employer identified competency concerns.

In these cases, we will consider the nature and seriousness of the health condition. For example, whether the health condition is short term, chronic, or long term. We may be less likely to grant voluntary removal if the condition is acute or short term. We will also consider the extent to which the social worker’s health condition was the cause or contributing factor for the other concerns. It may be that the case needs to progress through our fitness to practise process for this to be established.

Social worker’s response to the concerns

The social worker must respond to the regulatory concerns under consideration. This is unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This includes the social worker setting out in the voluntary removal application whether they accept (both of the following)

• the factual basis of the regulatory concerns
• that their fitness to practise is currently impaired

Where the social worker accepts the regulatory concerns

A social worker does not need to make full admissions to the concerns for us to consider voluntary removal. However, if a social worker makes full and unequivocal admissions to the concerns, these are likely to support their application for voluntary removal.

Where the social worker does not accept the concerns

On the other hand, the social worker may dispute (one or both of the following):

• the core elements and seriousness of the concerns
• that their fitness to practise is impaired

This would indicate that there is a dispute about the factual basis of the concerns and/or their seriousness. This would be a factor weighing against granting voluntary removal and would suggest a decision by case examiners and/or adjudicators may be required.

There may be circumstances where we grant voluntary removal even if the social worker has not fully admitted to the concerns. For example, if the social worker is very unwell and can no longer practice.

Social worker’s future intentions

Usually, we will only grant voluntary removal if the social worker (either of the following):

• has stopped practising as a social worker (and has no intention to practise in the future)
• intends to stop practising immediately (and has no intention to practise in the future)

We will consider any evidence relating to actions that the social worker has taken to leave the social work profession. For example, retiring from their social work role.

We will also consider the career path that the social worker intends to follow in future. In particular, we will consider its proximity to social work. For example, the social worker may plan to enter another social care profession (such as care work). We will consider any risk factors associated with this and the extent to which voluntary removal would sufficiently protect the public. If the social worker intends to practise in a social work related field, we will consider if there is a public interest in progressing the concern through the usual fitness to practise process.

We will consider any evidence we receive which (one or both of the following):

• suggests that the social worker’s admissions are not genuine
• casts doubt over their stated intention not to practise as a social worker

For example, if we become aware that the social worker has applied to join the social work register in another country. This may suggest that there is a public interest in the fitness to practise process continuing. As such, we are unlikely to grant voluntary removal.

In some cases, we may receive contradictory information about the social worker’s future practice intentions. We recognise this may be due to the social worker not understanding voluntary removal. When we grant voluntary removal, it means the social worker has agreed to (both of the following):

• not practise as a social worker
• not apply to be restored to the register

In these circumstances, we will provide further guidance to the social worker about the implications of voluntary removal.

The social worker’s interests

We will take account of the social worker’s best interests (balancing these with the public interest).

This will include careful consideration of (all of the following):

• the reasons the social worker is seeking removal
• the nature of the social worker’s future plans
• the strength of evidence to demonstrate that the social worker is permanently leaving the profession

Comments from the complainant and witnesses

When considering a voluntary removal application we will consider whether it is appropriate to seek comments from (one or both of the following):

• the person that raised concerns about the social worker (the complainant)
• witnesses

We’ll do this to understand the impact that concluding the fitness to practise proceedings would have on those most affected by the social worker’s conduct.

We may also contact other people who are related to the concern. For example, we may seek comments from (any of the following):

• service users or members of the public who were directly affected by the social worker’s conduct
• witnesses (potential or confirmed) who are likely to attend a final hearing to provide evidence

We may take these steps where we feel it is important to hear that person’s perspective.
If we do seek the views of the complainant (or people connected to the concern), we will advise them of the voluntary removal process. This includes explaining how this process differs from the fitness to practise process. For example, confirming that the social worker must no longer intend to practise as a social worker.

We will not share any information that the complainant (or another party) does not already possess. For example, information about the social worker’s health or private life.

Often, our consideration of a voluntary removal application will involve reviewing confidential information (such as health information). In these circumstances, it will not be possible for us to fully explain to the complainant why we are considering voluntary removal. We will take this into account when determining whether it is appropriate to seek comments from the complainant (or other interested parties).

We will take any comments into account when the executive director (or their delegate) considers the voluntary removal application. However, the views of the complainant (or another person) will not determine the outcome of the voluntary removal application. We will always base the final decision on the best method to protect the public and maintain public confidence.

The views of the complainant and other witnesses are most relevant when the fitness to practise case has not yet been heard at a final hearing. They are less likely to be relevant when the social worker seeks voluntary removal after a final hearing. This is because the complainant and other witnesses have had an opportunity to give their evidence.

Examples of exceptional circumstances

We will also take any exceptional circumstances into account.

Exceptional circumstances may include (any of the following):

• where there is medical evidence that the social worker is seriously ill and would be unfit to participate in the fitness to practise proceedings
• where there is evidence that the social worker is at risk of suicide or serious self-harm due to the fitness to practise process
• where concerns have already been publicly dealt with. For example, the social worker has received a criminal conviction following criminal court proceedings

Medical evidence

Factors we will consider

Where the exceptional circumstances relate to the social worker’s health, we will require appropriate and up to date medical evidence.

We’ll consider the following factors when reviewing medical evidence:

• Is the evidence from a verifiable source?
• Does the medical professional have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience to comment on the issues at hand?
• Does the medical professional have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the social worker’s background, medical condition, and experience to provide an informed opinion?
• Does the medical professional have knowledge and understanding as to the general nature and expectations of the fitness to practise proceedings and the voluntary removal process?
• Do we have confirmation of (all of the following):
  • the social worker’s current health diagnosis?
  • how this presents?
  • what the prognosis is?
  • how this effects the social worker’s decision making?
• Do we have confirmation of the treatment the social worker is currently receiving, and the extent to which they are engaging with this treatment?
• Do we have confirmation of the extent to which the social worker has shown insight into their health condition?
• Do we have confirmation of the extent to which the social worker will manage this health condition into the future, seeking treatment and intervention when required?
• Is the medical evidence and opinion relevant to the voluntary removal process, and does it address whether the exceptional circumstances are met?
• Is the medical evidence recent and up to date in relation to the social worker’s condition and circumstances?

Who will obtain and provide this medical evidence?

We will usually expect the social worker to obtain and provide this medical evidence to support their application for voluntary removal.

However, there may be circumstances where Social Work England can seek this information on the social worker’s behalf. In order to do so we would need the social worker’s consent to contact an appropriate medical professional or obtain a health assessment. We will consider on a case-by-case basis whether it is appropriate and proportionate for Social Work England to do so.

Guidance for social workers in providing medical evidence

In the first instance, you should provide medical evidence yourself (if you are able).

However, we acknowledge you may be unable to obtain medical evidence, or you may not have an appropriate medical professional who is able to provide this evidence for you. If so, please raise this with your Social Work England case holder. We can consider whether it is appropriate and proportionate for Social Work England to seek this information on your behalf.

If you are providing medical evidence we suggest that you follow these steps:

1. Identify an appropriate medical professional. An appropriate medical professional will be someone who:

• a. is a registered medical professional with relevant qualifications, skills and experience to comment on your particular medical condition. For example, this may be a general practitioner, psychiatrist or psychologist
• b. has a good level of knowledge of your circumstances and medical condition that they are able to provide an informed opinion. For example, someone you have engaged with for a period of time

2. Ensure the medical professional understands:

• a. that you have ongoing fitness to practise proceedings
• b. the stage of those proceedings (for instance, is the case awaiting a case examiner decision or a hearing?)
• c. that you have made an application for voluntary removal and what this means

In order to assist the medical practitioner to understand the fitness to practise process and voluntary removal, you may wish to direct the medical practitioner to the guidance on our website. This will help them to understand the fitness to practise process and what voluntary removal means.

• Fitness to practise guide
• How we investigate concerns
• Hearings guidance for social workers
• Self-represented social workers
• Pre-hearing case management
• Voluntary removal guidance

3. Ask the medical professional to address the following:

• a. set out their qualifications, skills and experience and whether they are a registered medical professional
• b. set out their knowledge and experience of providing you with medical intervention or support (and the nature and frequency of their current engagement with you)
• c. an acknowledgement that they understand why they are providing a medical opinion
• d. confirmation of your current health diagnosis. This should include how this presents, what the prognosis is, and whether it affects your decision making
• e. the treatment you are currently receiving for this health condition
• f. the extent to which you are engaging with this treatment
• g. the extent to which you have shown insight into your health condition (can they can be confident that you will be able to manage this health condition into the future and seek treatment and intervention when required?)
• h. confirmation if there is any medical evidence to show that you are seriously ill and would be unfit to participate in the fitness to practise proceedings
• i. whether there is evidence that you are at risk of suicide or serious self-harm due to the ongoing fitness to practise process

4. Ask the medical professional to (either of the following):

• a. send the report to us directly via email at investigations@socialworkengland.org.uk. They should include the FTPS reference number of your case
• b. provide contact details so we can contact them for verification purposes (if required)

Outcomes

If the executive director (or delegate) grants an application for voluntary removal, we will remove the social worker’s name from the register.

If the executive director rejects the application, the fitness to practise process will progress as usual.

If the executive director requires further information, we will seek the further information from the social worker (and other relevant parties). Once we have gathered this information the case will be returned to the executive director (or delegate) for consideration.

Communicating the decision

The executive director (or delegate) will provide a written decision with supporting reasoning. We will share this with the social worker.

If the application is granted, we may also share the decision and reasons with the individual or organisation that referred the concerns to us.

Publishing and disclosing the outcome

Fitness to Practise Rules 2019 (as amended) [5] confirms that if a voluntary removal is granted, we must publish the decision in accordance Registration Rules 2019 (as amended) [6]. The rules state that (both of the following):

• the removal must be recorded and published by the regulator
• the particulars of the removal may be published, but must not include any information relating to the registered social worker’s physical or mental health

What information we publish about the application

When a social worker makes a voluntary removal application, we won’t publish any information about that application.

Once the executive director (or delegate) has considered the application, some information will be available. What information we publish depends on the outcome.

Voluntary removal rejected

If the executive director (or delegate) rejects the voluntary removal application we won’t publish any information about the application or decision.

Voluntary removal agreed

If the executive director (or delegate) agrees to voluntary removal, we will amend the social worker’s entry on the register. It will display a status of ‘no longer registered – voluntarily removed’. This status will display indefinitely.

Particulars about decision

We may publish more information about the decision to remove if it is appropriate to do so. We refer to these as ‘particulars’. This will not include information about the social worker’s health.

We decide what particulars to publish on a case-by-case basis. We balance the rights of the social worker with Social Work England’s overarching objective of public protection.

The decision will take into account (both of the following):

• the extent to which the information is already within the public domain. For instance, if there have already been public fitness to practise findings made against the social worker
• whether publication of the information is in the public interest

We have set out below some examples of types of particulars that may be published at different stages of the process.

Voluntary removal agreed prior to a case being considered at a final hearing

Social Work England has agreed to [insert social worker’s name] request to remove themselves from the register under the voluntary removal process. The social worker has accepted that their fitness to practise is impaired by reason of [insert some details of the allegations].

Social Work England has agreed to remove them from the register on the basis that they have confirmed:

• they are not currently practising as a social worker
• they do not intend to practise in the future
• they will not apply to be restored to the social workers register at any point in the future

In light of the above, Social Work England has agreed that it is not in the public interest for the fitness to practise process to continue and they can be removed from the register.

Voluntary removal agreed after a case has been considered at a final hearing

Social Work England has agreed to [insert social worker’s name] request to remove themselves from the register under the voluntary removal process. The social worker has been subject to a [insert sanction] since [insert date]. Social Work England has agreed to remove them from the register on the basis that they have confirmed:

• they are not currently practicing as a social worker
• they do not intend to practise in the future
• they will not apply to be restored to the social workers register at any point in the future

In light of the above, Social Work England has agreed that it is not in the public interest for the fitness to practise process to continue and they can be removed from the register

Details of fitness to practise hearing and outcomes

If we agree to voluntary removal  before we list a final fitness to practise hearing is listed on our website, we will not (do either of the following):

• publish the details of the allegations
• list the case for a public hearing

If the social worker makes an application for voluntary removal  after we have published the allegations, details of the allegations and any planned hearing will remain on our website. They will remain until we have made a decision about the application.

If the application is successful, we will cancel the scheduled hearing. We will then remove details of the allegation and planned hearing from our website.

In some cases,  a social worker may make a application for voluntary removal  21 calendar days or less before a final fitness to practise hearing. If so, we will place the application for voluntary removal on hold, until after the hearing has concluded. We will publish details of the allegations and hearing  as outlined above. This will remain in publication until the hearing concludes.

In some cases, a social worker may apply for voluntary removal whilst subject to an interim or final order. If so, a successful voluntary removal application would mean that we replace the sanction on the social worker’s register entry with the status of ‘no longer registered – voluntarily removed’. This would remain on the register indefinitely. Any previous decisions will be removed. Any previous outcomes will remain published in line with the relevant publication period outlined above.

Further information

Please refer to our publications policy for details on what we record and publish (and for how long).

Please refer to the guidance on how we use personal information when considering concerns for details on what information about voluntary removals we may disclose (and to whom).