Applications for social workers in England to renew their registration are now open

Social workers who want to continue practising in England must now apply to renew their registration.

To apply to renew their registration, social workers must complete all of the following actions:

• submit a registration renewal application form
• pay the registration fee
• record a minimum of 2 different pieces of continuing professional development (CPD). A peer reflection must be included with at least one piece of CPD

The deadline to apply to renew is 11.59pm (UK time) on Sunday 30 November 2025.

It is a legal requirement for all social workers to apply to renew their registration every year if they want to (do both of the following):

• practise in a role that requires registration
• use the protected title of ‘social worker’

Social workers who do not renew their registration before 30 November 2025 will be removed from the register.

Being registered with Social Work England assures the public that all social workers in England meet the professional standards and are keeping their skills and knowledge up to date.

Rachel McAssey, assistant director of regulation at Social Work England, said,

“We’ve sent an email today to social workers on our register saying that they can now apply to renew their registration. We will send reminders to encourage social workers to complete the registration renewal process. Please carefully check all emails and text messages received from Social Work England.

The registration renewal fee can be paid in full or in 2 Direct Debit instalments. To pay in 2 instalments, a Direct Debit must be set up by 5:00pm (UK time) on 19 September 2025. Whether paying in full or by instalments, social workers may also be eligible to claim tax relief on the fee. Further details can be found on HMRC's website.

We encourage all social workers to complete their application to renew in plenty of time. This is to avoid the last-minute rush and allow enough time for focus and reflection.”

Things to note

Social workers should make sure the register accurately reflects their status for 2025 to 2026.

• Social workers should make a self-referral if there are any changes to their fitness to practise.
• Social workers should apply for voluntary removal if they want to leave the register.
• People who are not currently working due to extended absence (such as sick leave or parental leave) but wish to stay on the register, should complete the renewal process.
• If a social worker joins the register from September 2025 to November 2025, they do not need to apply to renew or record CPD. But they do still need to pay their registration fee for the 2025 to 2026 registration year.

Anyone who does not apply to renew by 11.59pm (UK time) on 30 November will be removed from the register. They will be removed if they failed to (do any of the following):

• submit an application
• pay the registration fee
• meet the CPD requirements

If a social worker wishes to continue practising as a social worker, but has failed to renew their registration, they will have to apply to be restored to the register. They will be unable to work as a social worker until their registration has been restored.

Support

Full information about how to apply to renew your registration and record CPD can be found on our website.

Our regional engagement leads are running sessions about CPD. The sessions will provide an overview of the CPD requirements and how to meet them.