Join Social Work England at its practice education discussion forums
Sign up for in person practice education discussion forums in Manchester, Plymouth and Ipswich
Join Social Work England at its face to face forums on practice education
1/15/2026 12:00:00 PM
Updated 3 February 2026: The deadlines for expressions of interest have been extended, please see the details on our web page.
Social Work England would like to hear people’s views on social work practice education at a series of in-person discussion forums. These are part of its ongoing work to build a more in-depth knowledge of the social work practice educator workforce in England.
Places are limited and people who would like to be considered for an invite should register their interest online. They will take place on:
- Tuesday 10 February, 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (Now full)
- Tuesday 24 February, 10am to 1pm at Endeavour House, Suffolk County Council in Ipswich
- Thursday 12 March, 10 am to 1pm at the University of Plymouth
The forums are aimed at:
- current or former practice educators and those in related roles
- employers who provide social work student placements
- higher education providers and people with lived experience of social work who support their courses
- organisations with an interest in practice education
Sarah Blackmore, executive director of professional practice and external engagement, said:
“It is essential that social work students receive excellent support from practice educators. Successful placements set them up for their future career and give them real life experience of how their future role is vital to public protection.“We know through our research that the sector hugely values practice education and wants to work together to maximise its benefits. We are working together to explore recognition, guidance and professional development opportunities for practice educators.
“We hope people will join us at the forums to take part in informal group discussions and network with other people who have an interest in practice education.”
People can find out detailed information on the discussion forums web page.
As well as the forums, Social Work England will offer further opportunities to engage with it on practice education in different ways. This includes a possible session at Social Work Week (16 to 20 March) which will be advertised on its website.
All social workers are also encouraged to take part in the regulator’s online survey on practice education, which is open until Friday 6 February.