Social Work England will hold a national roadshow this autumn to gather views on the future of professional regulation. The regulator is inviting social workers, people with lived experience, employers, students, academics and sector bodies to take part in discussions across five events.
The series will focus on priorities for Social Work England’s next three-year strategy, covering 2026 to 2029. Participants will also be asked to comment on the regulator’s approach to social work education, including new standards for education providers and guidance on the knowledge and skills expected of new graduates.
Fitness to practise will be another key topic. The regulator has received additional funding from the Department for Education to improve case timeliness and reduce current delays, and it will use the events to gather views on how to strengthen the system.
The roadshow will also explore the future of continuing professional development. A consultation is scheduled for 2026, and Social Work England is seeking input ahead of this process.
Sarah Blackmore, the regulator’s executive director of professional practice and external engagement, said the events are intended to ensure the profession has a direct role in shaping regulation. “We encourage people to attend one of our regional events to tell us what they want for the social work profession and share their ideas and insight on the challenges. We want to know how regulation affects people’s day-to-day lives. Most importantly, we want our next three-year strategy, and our proposed education and training standards, to be shaped by the people who will be impacted by them.”
The roadshow begins in Sheffield on 2 October, followed by Bristol on 9 October, Birmingham on 16 October, Newcastle on 22 October and London on 6 November. Each event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
