New research shows 83% of people think AI could reduce administrative burden for social workers

Social Work England, the regulator for social work in England, has published 2 new research reports into the emerging use of AI in social work education and practice in England.

The research examines the type of AI being used, opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness and the implications of this on the professional standards for social workers.

The research undertaken in spring 2025 identified that:

• Generative AI was the most common type of AI used with many social workers, students and academics using tools such as virtual assistants, transcription software, case recording support and chatbots.
• The use of AI varies significantly across social workers, students and social work academics. Some organisations are embracing its use and providing training and guidance on how to use it, others are not using it due to its cost and lack of knowledge of how best to use it.
• There are clear benefits to using AI in social work settings, these include improvements to efficiencies, enhanced wellbeing and reductions in workload. 86% of respondents felt AI has the potential to reduce administrative burden for social workers.
• Risks and ethical concerns include issues around privacy, consent, bias, accuracy, reliability and accountability
• There is a need to equip social work students and apprentices, 86% of social workers that graduated in the past 5 years did not receive any specific preparation on using AI in social work practice during their education and training.

Sarah Blackmore, executive director of professional practice and external engagement at Social Work England said:

“As artificial intelligence continues to develop quickly, it is important that we understand how AI is being used in social work. These findings will help us understand the potential impact of using AI on public safety, public confidence and public trust in the social work profession”.

The research recommends that social workers need to continue to consider ethical practice, the governance of AI systems and their own critical thinking and personal judgement when using AI. It also suggests that government departments, regulators, professional bodies and other organisations with responsibility for social work should work together to inform and shape the use of AI by social workers. This should build on existing standards and frameworks.

Sarah added:

"We welcome the recommendations set out in the research and will consider how best to respond where they relate to our role in public protection and regulation. We hope those working across the social work sector find these reports useful as they develop their own approaches to using AI in social work settings. We also hope social workers continue to consider how they use AI so that this can be done in a safe and ethical way that enhances, not replaces, their practice and expert knowledge and skill, and does not put the public at risk.”

To read the research reports in full and to see a summary of the key findings please visit our website.

On Wednesday 20 May 2026, Social Work England in collaboration with Skills for Care will be hosting a free one-day summit focused on AI and the future of social work. This event will bring together experts in AI, social work teams and individuals using AI to explore AI tools and consider how AI could be used in the future of social work. Read more about the event on our website.