Many social workers yet to complete their renewal application

Social workers in England have been applying to renew their registration since 1 September, but on 31 October more than half had not yet started the renewal process.

Social workers must be on Social Work England’s register to practise legally. They must renew annually, so the public can be sure they continue to meet the professional standards and practise safely.

As part of the renewal process, social workers are reminded they must use their online account to complete all 3 actions of the registration renewal process – including meeting the CPD requirements.

As of 31 October, only 28% of social workers had met all the CPD requirements in their online account – meaning the large majority of professionals had not completed this part of the process. Two thirds (64%) had yet to submit any valid CPD records.

To assist social workers struggling with the renewal process, the Social Work Innovations conference is hosting an hourlong CPD requirements workshop: “Meet the Social Work England CPD requirements ahead of time: Don’t lose your valuable registration” as well as one-to-one sessions in a CPD Clinic, with Social Work Trainer Carol Stewart.

The session will help professionals struggling with the process to:
- Gain a better understanding of how to meet the standards.
- Reflect on their CPD with a peer.
- Find out useful tips and tools to help them meet the requirements.
- See practical examples of how it is done.

By the end of the session, you should feel more confident and equipped to meet the requirements ahead of the deadline.

Philip Hallam, Executive Director of Regulation said Social Work England is encouraged to see that the number of social workers recording their CPD and renewing their registration continues to increase. It’s great to see that the social work register continues to grow, with more social workers joining the profession.

“Annual registration renewal allows social workers to demonstrate to the public that as part of maintaining registration, they are continually learning and developing their own skills and knowledge through CPD.”

Please note that social workers who join the register from 1 September do not need to submit a registration renewal application form or record CPD for this registration year. However, they do need to pay the registration fee by 30 November.