We want to hear what social workers, employers, membership organisations and other key stakeholders think about our proposals.
The consultation is part of our Future Proofing Programme which also includes changes to the Register, qualifications and reviews of the Codes of Practice and continuous professional learning (CPL).
Why do we want to do this?
We understand that social workers practice in complex environments and need an extensive knowledge of theory, policy and legislation as well as the skills and confidence to manage the ethical dilemmas, complexity, competing demands and expectations of their professional role.
We’re proposing return to practice requirements for social workers who have been out of social work practice and not registered for over two years so they can update their knowledge, skills and competence while building their confidence to practice.
What are we proposing?
Social workers returning to practice after more than two years will need to complete the learning within the 12 months before applying to register, evidencing learning across four themes as part of their SSSC registration application including:
- current legislation and policy
- social work skills, knowledge, understanding and practice
- the key codes and standards for practice
- adult and child protection.
We are proposing a tiered approach to the amount of learning depending on how long you’ve been out of practice and will accept formal learning, informal learning and supervised practice.
Involving you
We developed our proposal with key stakeholders including social workers and relevant social work membership organisations.
How do I respond?
This consultation is closed.
You will find all the information you need on the return to practice consultation webpage.
Focus groups
We're holding online focus groups on the return to practice proposals, please email quality.assurance@sssc.uk.com to register for one of the following dates:
- Thursday 26 October, 10.00-11.00am
- Monday 30 October, 3.00-4.00pm
- Thursday 2 November, 1-2 pm.
The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 3 November 2023.