SWE consult on amendments to its registration rules

The consultation seeks views on 2 specific changes that would take effect from September 2025.

The consultation focuses on:

• Reducing International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate validity from 5 years to 2 years

The British Council and IELTS recommend a 2-year validity period as the international standard for language proficiency. This change would align Social Work England with other health and care regulators including the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the Health and Care Professions Council.

• Updating our approach to demographic data collection

In line with updated Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) guidance, Social Work England propose removing ‘gender identity’ from mandatory data collection. While not part of this consultation, we are also proposing to review our voluntary data questions to ensure we continue to collect appropriate diversity monitoring data on the protected characteristics of sex and gender reassignment under the Equality Act 2010.

Colum Conway, Chief Executive Officer at Social Work England, said:

“Following our fifth anniversary as the regulator for social workers in England, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on our work and align our practices with recent government guidance.

“These proposed amendments represent our ongoing commitment to professional excellence and regulatory best practice. We’re particularly keen to hear from social workers, employers, and those with lived experience of social work about how these changes might affect them.”

The consultation is open for 10 weeks to anyone who would like to provide feedback. It will close on Thursday 12 June at 5pm.

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