Social Work England seeks new members for its Education and Training Advisory Forum

Social Work England is looking for experts who are involved in social work education to join its social work Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF). The regulator is encouraging expressions of interest by Monday 19 August 2024 at 5pm.

The expansion of the ETAF will help inform the regulator’s approach to education and training for social work, so it can better support providers, students and employers to raise standards, provide consistent experiences for students and support newly qualified social workers. This forum is also invaluable for providing advice and expertise on important issues facing social work education.

Social Work England is working with the ETAF to draw on the experience of providers, employers, people with lived experience, students and other relevant experts. It welcomes, but the opportunity is not limited to, applications from practice educators, children's and families principal social workers, approved mental health professional leads and best interests assessor leads.

Visit Social Work England’s website for more information about the work of the ETAF and how to submit an expression of interest.

Commenting on the expansion, Sarah Blackmore, executive director of professional practice and external engagement, said:

“The quality of those very first steps to train as a social worker are the foundations of public protection, which is our primary focus as the regulator.

“Excellent education and training reassures people that they will receive the very best support from newly qualified social workers. It’s essential that the public have confidence in social workers, whether they’ve been practising for 2 months or 20 years.

“To make sure social workers receive comprehensive education and support we are continuously looking at ways we can learn from students and those delivering courses to create a strong workforce for the future. The ETAF is central to this work.”

Dr Kevin Stone, Chair of the ETAF and associate professor of social work (University of Warwick) added:

“We need more people to contribute to Social Work England’s strategic mission to support and enhance the future of social work education. The ETAF is a vital link between the regulator and the sector. By working in partnership, we can bring significant benefits to social work education and training.

“Everybody with the motivation and talent to become a social worker should be able to access the right course, receive support to successfully complete it and qualify ready to apply for registration.”

The ETAF was first established by Social Work England in April 2023 and includes people from universities, other education providers, local authorities, and NHS organisations. The forum provides independent advice on a broad range of issues related to social work education and training. These include elevating practice education, reviewing the education and training standards and ensuring students graduate with the right skills, knowledge and behaviours to become an excellent social worker.