Help to shape the future of continuing professional development (CPD) for social work in England

Ahead of a consultation on the future of CPD launching in early 2027, we’re continuing our conversation with social workers and the sector. This includes events in Liverpool, Wolverhampton and Brighton, as well as online sessions. We want to hear directly from you on 3 areas that will shape the future of CPD.

Frequency – how often should CPD evidence be provided?

• Should this happen every year, or over a longer cycle?

• What are the benefits and risks of moving to a 3-year model?

• What safeguards would be needed to make a longer renewal cycle work?

Impact – what should CPD achieve and how should impact be demonstrated?

• What evidence best shows learning and development has taken place?

• What does meaningful reflection look like?

• How can we measure the impact of CPD on someone’s practice?

Assurance – how can we strengthen public confidence and trust in CPD?

• How do we build trust and confidence in the CPD process?

• What role could external moderation and other assurance mechanisms play?

• What evidence best demonstrates learning and impact?

• What role should employers, supervisors and peers play in supporting assurance?

• How do we design an approach that is proportionate and consistent across the profession?

What we’ve been doing

We've been exploring the future of continuing professional development (CPD) with social workers and employers for some time, including through our 2025 roadshows, social worker survey findings and wider research. The Independent Review of Social Work Professional Regulation has provided further insight through its findings and recommendations, reflecting what the review team heard from the sector and helping to inform this ongoing work.

Why your voice matters

We’re seeking a wide range of views and experiences to help develop proposals that reflect the realities of social work practice. Your feedback will directly inform potential changes to our CPD model and help maintain public confidence in the profession.

Sarah Blackmore, executive director for professional practice and external engagement, said:

“Continuing professional development is a vital part of social work practice, helping professionals to reflect, learn and develop throughout their careers. As we consider how CPD should evolve in the future, it's important that the profession helps shape that conversation.

“We’ve already heard valuable insights through our roadshows, surveys and wider engagement, and now we want to build on that understanding. We’re seeking a wide range of views and experiences to help develop proposals that reflect the realities of social work practice.

“Your feedback will help shape our proposals ahead of the public consultation, reflecting the needs of the profession and the people social workers’ support.”

What this will shape

These events are an opportunity to help shape proposals on the future of continuing professional development (CPD) and ensure that any future changes reflect the experiences, needs and priorities of the social work profession.

Your feedback will help inform potential changes, including:

• any changes to the cycle of recording CPD

• better ways of demonstrating the impact of learning on practice

• new approaches to quality assurance and assurance mechanisms

Places are limited

Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Book your place on Eventbrite.

If you cannot attend these events, you can still contribute through:

• an online survey launching in November

• a public consultation launching in January 2027

If you're a social worker interested in hosting a workshop for colleagues at your workplace, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us at events@socialworkengland.org.uk to discuss the opportunity.

Please note that while we welcome all expressions of interest, we may not be able to take up every request.