The social work Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF)
About the social work Education and Training Advisory Forum
Last updated: 9 December 2025
What is the ETAF?
The Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF) provides independent advice, expertise, and challenge to Social Work England on a broad range of issues related to social work education and training. It acts as a critical friend to deliver the priorities in our approach to education and training.
It has been the driving force behind the development of new readiness for professional practice guidance for education providers. This aims to streamline the complex web of voluntary standards and frameworks that students and tutors have to navigate.
Membership
The ETAF has 28 members. They include:
- people with lived and learned experience of social work
- representatives from education providers, academia, practice education, national organisations
- students
- members of our National Advisory Forum
It is chaired by Andrea Collins. Andrea Collins is the Head of Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University. Amanda Fitchett, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Coventry University, is the deputy chair.
These are the forum's terms of reference.
How often does the forum meet?
Meetings are held online every other month, with one in-person meeting a year in Sheffield.
Upcoming meetings
- Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 2pm to 4pm (online)
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 10am to 3pm (in person meeting)
- Thursday 14 May 2026 at 1pm to 3pm (online)
- Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 1pm to 3pm (online)
- Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 1pm to 3pm (online)
- Thursday 19 November 2026 at 11am to 1pm (online)
2027 meeting dates
- Tuesday 12 January 2027 at 11am to 1pm (online)
