In Social Work England v Brown [2025] EWHC 1087 (Admin), the regulator Social Work England applied to extend an interim suspension order on social worker David James Brown’s registration. The interim order was extended until 7 April 2026, with the judge expressing some reluctance given the case’s protracted history and cautioning that future applications might be viewed less favourably if similar delays persist.
The order, originally imposed in August 2021 and extended on several occasions—including a brief two‐month extension on 7 March 2025—was set to expire on 8 May 2025. Social Work England sought an additional 11‑month extension, arguing that serious allegations against Brown—including failures to record visits, complete necessary actions on child cases, comply with court directions, maintain proper communications, and conduct statutory visits—present a significant risk to service users. Although Brown did not attend the hearing, his Acknowledgement of Service confirmed his awareness and previous submissions, in which he insisted that no new or substantial change had occurred to justify further extension.
Applying the principles from General Medical Council v Hiew, the court focused on whether the allegations (regardless of their eventual truth) warranted continued precautionary action to protect the public. Balancing the grave nature of the allegations and the inherent risks against the defendant’s claims of prejudice—particularly noting that Brown was not actively working—the judge concluded that the extension was necessary to allow the case to progress to a final resolution within the financial year.
Consequently, the interim order was extended until 7 April 2026, with the judge expressing some reluctance given the case’s protracted history and cautioning that future applications might be viewed less favourably if similar delays persist.
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