Story updated 6 April 2022
Social Work England is seeking to improve the efficiency of its operations, particularly in relation to fitness to practise, through changes to its governing laws and rules.
Last month, the Department for Education, which is responsible for the regulator, launched a consultation on changes to the legal framework setting out how the organisation operates, the Social Work Regulations 2018.
This followed a consultation that Social Work England issued on changes to its rules, which are not dependent on legal changes. Both consultations conclude next month.
'Improving operational efficiency'
The proposals reflect the regulator's learning from the just over two years since it took responsibility for overseeing the profession, said Social Work England's executive director of registration, quality assurance and legal, Philip Hallam.On the regulatory changes, he said: "Together with the Department for Education, we have been reflecting on our first two years operating under the Social Workers Regulations 2018 and have identified some changes to improve operational efficiency.
"These proposals do not change our overall direction or ambition, but we want to hear the views of as many people as possible on what these changes will mean for them and the regulation of social work in England.”
He relayed the same message in relation to the rule changes, adding: "By getting more input, we open ourselves up to viewpoints and implications we may not have considered, and we can factor those into our decision making."
