​If you are a social worker and plan to stop practising, it is important to consider if you would like to practice in the future. To return to social work, there are certain criteria you must meet, which means it may be easier not to let your registration lapse. The longer you have been out of social work, the higher the threshold of requirements.

The requirements for returning to practice can be broken down into three time frames. If you have been out of practice for less than two years, two to five years or over five years.

You are not required to update your skills and knowledge if you have been out of practice for up to two years. If you have been out of practice for between two and five years, you are required to spend 30 days updating your skills and knowledge. For those out of work for over five years, the requirement is to spend 60 days updating your skills and knowledge. There are three ways you can meet the criteria.

Supervised Practice

Supervised practice is working in a role related to social work, under the supervision of a qualified social worker. The work required for supervised practice is not specified by Social Work England, however, it must be supervised by an individual who has been practicing for three continuous years.

You can complete supervised practice in the UK or abroad and need to provide clear details on where you completed the practice, what tasks you did and who was supervising you.

Formal Study

Formal study must be completed during the 12-months before you submit your application. It can consist of any formal learning, including college or postgraduate study.

To prove formal study has been completed, a scan or certified copy of your certificate will be accepted.

Private Study

Private study can consist of any activity that keeps your knowledge and skills up to date. This can include:

-          Attending talks or lectures.

-          Attending training sessions.

-          Reading articles and books.

You will need proof of private study contributing to your learning and development and must provide details on what you did, number of hours spent and details of the time and date the study was completed.

If you have been out of social work and would like advice on how to return to practice, reach out to our social work team: swp@charecruitment.com or 01189485555.