Share your feedback on our proposed guidance for communicating online

Social Work England has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on its new draft guidance for social workers. The guidance will help social workers apply the professional standards when communicating online.

The current draft guidance sets out 4 principles that social workers should think about when communicating online, which are:

• security
• accountability
• using the right tools
• maintaining boundaries

It shows which professional standards are relevant when communicating online.

Social Work England has also published proposed decision makers’ guidance, which outlines how it will consider concerns relating to social workers and their online communication.

The regulator has made draft versions available so that social workers, members of the public, those with lived experience of social work and the wider sector can provide feedback on how relevant the guidance is to social work practice.

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

“In recent years the way we communicate in our daily lives has changed and there is now more than ever an emphasis on online communication.

Having spoken to social workers and the wider sector we know that further guidance on how to communicate effectively online and in line with the professional standards will be welcomed by many.

We hope this will put social workers at greater ease of using these online channels in the future which is why we are seeking the thoughts and opinions of everyone in this consultation.”

The consultation period will run for 10 weeks and close on Wednesday 29 October 2025. To view the draft guidance and provide your feedback on this please visit the consultation page.