Social Work England joins cross-sector work on AI regulation principles

Social Work England has committed to help develop principles on how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by health and social care professionals should be regulated.

It has joined other health and social care regulators and the Accredited Registers Collaborative (which represents 28 Accredited Registers) to sign a joint statement of intent, published today by the Professional Standards Authority, in response to the recent recommendations by the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare.

The organisations will work with the sector to develop high-level principles that provide clarity on the safe and responsible use of AI. The principles will support a coherent, consistent and proportionate approach to regulation, helping professionals and others to use AI in ways that uphold professional standards and protect the public.

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

“Social workers need clarity about what is expected of them when using AI, and the people they support need confidence that their care and wellbeing remain firmly in human hands. These principles mark an important step towards a consistent approach to AI regulation, and we are committed to working closely with our partners across health and social care to get this right."