Social workers should renew registration as soon as possible

Social workers who want to continue practising in England must now complete their annual registration renewal application and meet some new requirements in the process. The regulator Social Work England has issued the reminder to almost 100,000 social workers who should apply to stay on the register as soon as possible and before the deadline of 30 November 2022.

From 1 September 2022 social workers should complete a renewal application online and ensure they have recorded at least two pieces of continuing professional development (CPD), one of which must include a peer reflection. This requirement has been raised from last year following consultation earlier this year.

Renewing registration each year is a legal requirement, as ‘social worker’ is a protected title, meaning that it is illegal to falsely use any name, title or description implying registration with Social Work England. Social workers must take note that if they do not renew their registration, they will be unable to use the title of social worker from 1 December 2022.

Registration means that the public can feel confident that a social worker meets the professional standards, which are necessary for safe and effective practice. The standards set out what a social worker in England must know, understand and do throughout their career. The register allows anyone to check that a social worker continues to meet these standards. Following the end of the renewal period on 30 November, the register will be updated at the beginning of December.

Philip Hallam, executive director of regulation at Social Work England, said,

“We are asking social workers to renew their registration now, well before 30 November 2022. About 100,000 people are expected to apply and with this year’s changes to the CPD requirements, we’re advising that they give themselves more time.

“We have used feedback from previous years to make the process as simple as possible and there are step-by-step instructions on our website. Firstly, please log into your online account and check that your contact details are up to date so you can receive updates from us about your registration and renewals. Then social workers should:

• update their diversity data,
• pay their registration fee,
• submit their application, and
• ensure they have uploaded at least two pieces of continuing professional development (CPD), one with a peer reflection.”

What’s new this year

Social workers should note that there are two changes this year. Firstly, they will be asked to answer voluntary equality and diversity questions before they can apply to renew. Social Work England is aiming to gain a better understanding of the make-up of the register and build a clearer picture of issues around equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. This information will help it to ensure its policies and processes are fair and equal to all.

Secondly, social workers are required to record a minimum of 2 pieces of CPD during the year, including at least one piece with a peer reflection. This is designed to ensure all social workers are getting the most out of their learning by reflecting on what they have learnt with a peer. CPD is one of the six professional standards that helps social workers demonstrate to the public that their knowledge and skills continue to be up to date. This helps to build public confidence in social workers and the profession.

Things to note

Social workers are advised to make sure the register accurately reflects their status for 2021 to 2022. They should:

• Make a self-referral if there are any changes to their fitness to practise.
• Apply for voluntary removal, if they want to leave the register.

Those who join the register from September to November do not need to apply to renew or record CPD, having just sent us up to date information. However, they will need to pay their registration fee for the coming year.

People who are not currently working due to extended absence like sick leave or parental leave etc, but who wish to stay on the register, should complete the renewal process.

Anyone who does not apply to renew by 30 November will be removed from the register, this includes failing to submit an application, failing to pay the fees or not meeting the CPD requirements. There is no extension to this deadline.

If they wish to continue practising as a social worker, they will have to apply to be restored to the register and pay a £135 restoration fee. They will be unable to work as a social worker until their registration has been restored.