Social Work England launches new guidance to support a new adjudicator consensual disposal process

Social Work England has today published new guidance to support the introduction of its adjudicator consensual disposal process. This is being introduced to strengthen its fitness to practise approach and enable some cases to be resolved more efficiently.

The new process applies to cases that have reached the final hearing stage. In suitable cases, Social Work England and social workers will be able to reach an agreed outcome without the need for a full final hearing, subject to the adjudicator’s agreement. This will enable quicker case resolution where both parties agree on the facts, impairment and the appropriate sanction.

To support the introduction of the process, Social Work England has published:

• comprehensive guidance
• clear process maps
• a simplified version of the guidance to improve accessibility

The guidance sets out the full process, from initial application to final decision. It:

• explains eligibility requirements
• outlines each step
• clarifies the roles and responsibilities of those involved
• details what happens if proposals are accepted or rejected by the adjudicators

A public consultation on the draft guidance was held at the end of last year to assess its clarity, accessibility and potential impact on people with protected characteristics. Feedback focused on ensuring the language and structure were clear and easy to understand.

Following careful consideration of all responses, the guidance has been refined and finalised. It is published today and will be implemented, alongside related process changes, from 1 April 2026.

For full details of the feedback we received during the consultation and how we used this to make a decision, please read our consultation response.