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

Social workers who want to continue practising in England can 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 30 November 2026.

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 2026 will be removed from the register.

Being registered with Social Work England gives the public confidence that social workers meet the professional standards expected of the profession. Regulation helps keep the public safe and maintains trust in social work as a regulated profession. It also protects the title of ‘social worker’, ensuring that only individuals who meet the required professional standards can practise under that title.

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

“Today, we've emailed social workers on our register to let them know they can now apply to renew their registration. We'll be sending reminders throughout the process to help everyone complete their renewal in good time. Please check your emails and text messages from Social Work England carefully.

“There are 2 ways to pay the registration renewal fee: in full, or via 2 Direct Debit instalments. Anyone wishing to pay in instalments must set up a Direct Debit by 5:00pm (UK time) on 18 September 2026. Social workers may be able to claim tax relief on the fee and further information on this is available on HMRC's website.

“We're encouraging all social workers to submit their renewal application well ahead of time, rather than leaving it until the last minute. This gives everyone the space to focus and reflect without unnecessary pressure.”

Things to note

Social workers should make sure the register accurately reflects their status for 2026 to 2027.

• 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 2026 to November 2026, they do not need to apply to renew or record CPD. But they do still need to pay their registration fee for the 2026 to 2027 registration year.

Anyone who does not apply to renew by 11.59pm (UK time) on 30 November 2026 will be removed from the register. They will be removed if they fail 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.