Record numbers of social workers have renewed their registration following the annual three-month process, Social Work England reported today.
It said that 104,717 social workers successfully renewed between 1 September and 30 November this year, up from 102,888 in 2024, but representing the same proportion of registrants (97.4%).
The regulator said it removed 2,506 (2.3%) from the register, meaning they may no longer practise as a social worker, up slightly from the 2,198 (2.1%) barred from the profession in 2024.
Most of this group were removed for not completing a combination of the three actions required of those who were on the register before 1 September: completing the renewal application form, paying the £120 renewal fee - or the first of two direct debits covering this - and submitting two pieces of continuing professional development (CPD), one of which must have been reflected upon with a peer.
Social workers apply to restore registration
A similar number of social workers (298) have applied to have their registration restored since the renewal period closed as was the case at the equivalent time last year (283).
However, the cost of restoration - £180 - is significantly higher than in 2024 (£135) following the regulator's 33% rise in social worker fees earlier this year. Social Work England said it may take 20 working days for it to make an initial assessment of a restoration application, during which time practitioners must not work as social workers.
In addition to those who failed to renew, 1,690 people were removed from the register voluntarily during the renewal period, up from 1,509 in 2024.
As was the case following the 2024 renewal round, Social Work England will not be checking the CPD submissions of a sample of registrants. This is because it plans to consult next year on revising the CPD process for registration renewal.
Registration 'the foundation of social work practice'
Social Work England's executive director of regulation, Philip Hallam, hailed the high rates of renewal as demonstrating "that the overwhelming majority of social workers understand and embrace their professional responsibilities".
"Registration is the foundation of professional social work practice and maintaining that registration shows a commitment to continued learning, development, and safe practice," he added.
However, in relation to those removed from the register, he said: "It is important to be clear about what removal means. Social workers who did not complete their renewal are no longer able to practise as a social worker or in any role that requires registration. To do so would be an offence under our regulations."
Regulator highlights risks of renewing late
As in previous years, Hallam highlighted the fact that the majority of social workers completed their renewal towards the end of the process. Two weeks out from the deadline, just four out of ten social workers had met the requirements.
"The earlier social workers complete all parts of the registration renewal process, the less likely it is they will face removal for failure to complete their application in time," he added. "We would remind all social workers that CPD can be recorded throughout the year using their online account. There is no need to wait for the registration renewal period to open."
Independent review of Social Work England
The news comes with Social Work England undergoing an independent review, as required by its founding legislation, the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
The probe is examining how well Social Work England is carrying out its statutory functions and delivering on its objectives to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of the public and to promote and maintain public confidence in, and proper professional standards for, social workers in England.
The review team, led by former director of children's services Annie Hudson, has already carried out a survey of social workers and others within the sector to inform its findings. These included questions on whether the renewal process was "simple to complete" and "proportionate to the level of protection and trust it gives the public".
