New CPD requirements for social workers who want to maintain professional registration

Specialist regulator Social Work England has listened to feedback and enhanced the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements, which affect all social workers looking to renew their registration this year.

All social workers in England must show they are keeping their skills up to date to maintain their professional registration and be able to practise.

The changes are being brought in following extensive consultation last year, to raise standards in the sector and help social workers get the most out of their learning. They include a move from one to two pieces of CPD per year, including at least one piece of CPD with a peer reflection. This new requirement means social workers will be able to benefit from reflecting on their experiences and sharing their learning with another practitioner. A new CPD recording form on social workers’ online Social Work England accounts has also been designed. It replaces the previous templates to make recording CPD as straightforward as possible.  

Sarah Blackmore, executive director of strategy, policy and engagement, said,

“CPD is essential for social workers to demonstrate to the public that they are maintaining safe and effective practice. It shouldn’t be seen as an add-on to the day job, but something that is an integral part of a role where guidance, legislation and practice can change frequently. Moreover, there is no doubt that social work can be a busy, stressful and challenging job. Stopping to reflect and learn from these experiences, and sharing them with a peer, can really improve practise and outcomes, as well as help wellbeing.”    

Social Work England would like to thank everyone who took part in the 12 week public consultation on the changes last year. It has also emphasised that whilst 2 pieces of CPD are the basic requirement, there is no limit to how many pieces can be uploaded to social workers’ online accounts. Last year social workers recorded an average of 2.2 pieces of CPD.

The main tips to remember are to upload CPD throughout the year, not at the last minute, and that it's far more than just attending training courses. There is a large list of inspiring CPD activities here.

Summary: what’s changed?

This year, the CPD requirements are to record:

• A minimum of 2 pieces of CPD, including
• At least one piece of CPD with a peer reflection.

Social workers should do this by 30 November 2022 to renew their registration for 2022 to 2023.

The structured and unstructured CPD forms on the online account have been replaced with a single CPD form. This form is designed to be simpler and easier to understand, while facilitating better reflections.

There is full guidance for social workers on completing and submitting CPD on the Social Work England website. This includes examples, videos, blogs and information on how to fulfil the new peer requirement.