Department for Education announce review of Social Work Regulation

The Department for Education has announced that Dame Annie Hudson will be leading the Independent Review of Social Work Regulation. This will ensure that the regulation for social work “is fit for purpose and benefits both the individuals it aims to protect and the professionals it oversees.”

The review is required under Part 2 of the Children and Social Care Act (2017) and is expected to conclude in Spring 2026. The primary purpose of the review will be to independently assess the current model of professional regulation for social workers, including the effectiveness and impact of Social Work England as the regulator for social work in England.

As the lead for the review, Dame Annie Hudson is a social worker by profession and has several decades of experience working in the sector, delivering children’s and adult services, working with local authorities and in academia.

Dame Annie was appointed as Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel in December 2020 and held this role until June 2025.

The review team will consider how we are meeting our overarching objectives and core regulatory functions including registration, professional standards, education and training standards and fitness to practise. It will also assess the Secretary of State’s powers in relation to Social Work England’s fee income and grant-in-aid funding and its oversight of how we are performing.

Colum Conway, Chief Executive at Social Work England said:

“We are now more than 5 years into operation, and this review comes at an important time for Social Work England. We continuously strive to make a positive impact by raising the standard of social work across England. As we prepare for our next strategic period, the feedback and recommendations from this review will help us plan for the future and strengthen our impact.”

Lead for the review, Dame Annie Hudson, said:

“I am honoured to be appointed to lead this important review. Social workers carry out some of the most complex and demanding work in our society, and the systems that regulate and support them must be strong, fair and forward-looking.”

The review team is now accepting feedback on social work regulation through its call for evidence survey.

Annie added:

“I look forward to hearing from social workers, employers, educators and people with lived experience as we consider how Social Work England can best promote excellence and public confidence in the profession.”

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