We aim to create a clear set of standards that reflect social work practice and are structured in a way that brings them to life for every registered social worker.
The consultation aims to update the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE). Feedback from the consultation will inform a short life working group developingpost qualifying standards based on the core learning elements and Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) descriptors. The post qualifying standards will form the foundation for professional pathways.
The consultation is in two parts.
Part 1 – Reviewing the Standards in Social Work Education
Initial feedback suggests the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE) remain relevant but could be updated to make sure it remains relevant to current social work education and practice. We want to make sure the language is consistent, inclusive and trauma informed.
Part 2 – Developing post qualifying standards for social work
Feedback from our 2023 CPL consultation shows that the eight core learning elements are highly relevant to social work practice.
Our short life working group is building on earlier work to develop standards for social workers from the core learning elements. We are consulting while they are still in development to make sure we accurately represent the social work profession.
Your feedback can help to shape the final content and format.
Online information sessions
We are holding two general and four targeted online information sessions.
The general sessions are open to anyone interested in the consultation, providing an overview of the activity and answering relevant questions. Use the links below to book your place.
Thursday 17 July 2025, 4pm - 5pm
Tuesday 19 August 2025, 4pm - 5pm
The targeted sessions are for students, recent graduates, NQSWs, practice educators, link workers and social work course providers. These discussions will focus on updating the SiSWE and the proposed categories for post qualifying standards.
You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on various aspects of the standards, including what you like, how they can be improved, barriers encountered, examples of support in practice and reflections on current practice across all areas of social work.
Use the links to book your place.
| Who should attend | Date | Time |
| Students Graduates NQSWs |
Tuesday 23 July | 2pm -3.30pm |
| Practice educators Link workers Social work course providers |
Wednesday 24 July | 10am – 11.30am |
| Students Graduates NQSWs |
Thursday 31 July | 10am – 11.30am |
| Practice educators Link workers Social work course providers |
Wednesday 6 August | 2pm – 3.30pm |
Join the short life working group
Can you help to shape the future of social work education? We need your expertise and insights to help develop the standards for the social work profession.
The short life working group will consist of up to 15 participants at various stages of their professional careers, different areas of social work practice and geographical locations.
We would like to hear from social work students, NQSWs, social workers of varying experience and levels of seniority, academics and Chief Social Work Officers.
The group will meet four times between July and November 2025, with an independent chair and will involve a mix of in person and online engagement. The in person meetings will be held in Dundee. Each meeting will last around four hours. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Dates to be confirmed.
If you’re interested, please email quality.assurance@sssc.uk.com by 9 July 2025.
Respond to the consultation.
The consultation closes at 11pm on Monday 8 September 2025.
Supporting documents
Supporting information for the Standards for Social Work pre and post qualifying consultation 2025
Newly Qualified Social Worker descriptors
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