Preparing for registration renewal 2023
Head of Registration and Advice, Joseph Stockwell, reflects on lessons learned and highlights the developments implemented in regard to this year's registration renewal process.
Preparing for registration renewal 2023
8/31/2023 12:00:00 PM
As we prepare for a fourth registration renewal and CPD cycle, our priority is to continue to deliver an efficient experience for all social workers by implementing improvements and acting upon feedback from previous years. Last year concluded successfully, with 96,886 social workers renewing their registration to remain on the register.
Following the registration renewal period, we reflected on the process and identified any areas of improvement. We listened to feedback from sector representatives, social media commentary and analysis of enquiries, as well as through our regional engagement leads and registration and advice team. This gave us a proportionate insight into what worked well and what could potentially be done differently or developed in the future.
Last year, there were no issues with the renewal system over the renewal period, including on the last day, that would have prevented social workers from completing their application by the deadline.
This year, we have implemented:
Online system changes
In response to feedback from social workers, we have made changes to some of the wording on the online account to ensure our messages continue to be clear and concise. We will be updating our ‘how-to videos’ to reflect the system changes.
Email communication
Reminder emails sent to social workers were tailored to their circumstances in the renewal process. Additional functionality built into our system means that we can send more targeted messages, to the right audience at the right time. If social workers receive an email from Social Work England regarding their registration renewal, this is because they have actions outstanding on their online account. These emails should not be ignored.
If social workers complete all 3 actions of the registration renewal process by 14 November, they will receive an email from us on 15 November confirming that there are no further actions for them to take.
An update to CPD and renewal guidance
To support social workers with the renewal application form, uploading CPD and completing all the actions, we want to remind you that there are extensive resources on our website to support this process, including how-to videos. We will promote these resources via social media, regular newsletters and email communication.
The following resources are available on our website:
Apply to renew your registration
How to record CPD
CPD guidance
CPD: what you need to know
Online account guide
CPD requirements
After the change in requirements last year, we have looked to refine the wording around them to ensure that what is expected from social workers continues to remain clear and concise.
All social workers must record 2 pieces of CPD, including a peer reflection with at least one of the pieces of CPD. Peer reflection means that they have discussed their CPD with a peer; they should discuss what they have learnt and the impact the CPD activity has had on their practice.
As the regulator, we encourage and provide extensive information to support social workers to apply to renew their registration.
We advise social workers to complete the process as soon as possible. A large number of social workers left applying until the final days of the renewal period and therefore had less time to contact us and resolve queries.
There are 3 actions to complete:
- apply to renew,
- pay the registration fee,
- record 2 different pieces of CPD, with at least one including a peer reflection
When logging on to the online account, 3 blocks show what needs to be done to complete all 3 actions and finish the registration renewal process.
If you complete all 3 actions of the registration renewal process by 14 November, you will receive an email from us on 15 November confirming that there are no further actions for you to take.
System functionality/stability
Social workers can be assured that our system is built to respond to capacity needs and is therefore always available. Over the years, advanced performance monitoring has been built into the system and if there is a potential issue then we will be alerted.
Testing
This year, we have created a dedicated test environment established to mimic the live environment during the renewal period. This comprehensive pre-renewal testing plan allowed us to accurately identify and prepare for any potential issues and ultimately improve the social worker experience.
Telephone system
We have implemented a new telephone system which will enable us to deal with telephone enquiries more effectively. However, please bear in mind that the volume of calls we receive will increase significantly during this time. The earlier social workers complete their renewal application form, will ensure that any issues they may encounter can be dealt with quicker, and without added pressures.
Finally...
Whilst these developments have been made to ensure the registration renewal and CPD experience remains as efficient and stress free as possible, we can’t highlight enough the importance of recording CPD and applying to renew as early as possible.
It's the responsibility of a social worker to renew their registration each year, as it provides the public with confidence that they meet the requirements to remain on the register. It also allows us to demonstrate to the public that as part of maintaining registration, social workers are continually learning and developing their own skills and knowledge through CPD.
We want to make this process a positive experience for all social workers, so remember that we are here to help. From the 1 September, log on to your online account to complete your application to renew and record CPD.