SWE launches sector‑wide survey to strengthen practice education and support fitness to practise standard

Social Work England has opened a national survey inviting registered social workers to help shape the future of practice education, as the regulator seeks deeper insight into how practice educators are supported and how this affects public protection and fitness to practise outcomes.

The survey—open until 5pm on Friday 6 February 2026—forms part of a wider programme to build a clearer picture of the practice educator workforce and consider whether new regulatory measures are needed to ensure consistent, high‑quality supervision for students entering the profession.

Practice education and fitness to practise

Under Social Work England’s education and training standards, every student must complete 200 days of assessed practice before joining the register. Practice educators are central to preparing students for safe, ethical and accountable practice, forming a key foundation for future fitness to practise.

The regulator highlights that strong practice education supports public confidence, safe entry to the register, early identification of competence concerns and consistent application of professional standards. Sarah Blackmore, Executive Director of Professional Practice and External Engagement, said practice educators “support students to succeed in their studies, gaining the skills they need to join the register, become an asset to the workforce and protect the public”.

Recent research commissioned by Social Work England and sector partners has identified significant variation in training quality and support for practice educators across England. High caseload pressures, inconsistent recognition and remuneration, and the emotional labour involved in supporting struggling students all contribute to uneven placement experiences.

These pressures can affect the quality of student learning and may influence the competence of future registrants, increasing the likelihood of fitness to practise concerns emerging early in careers.

While practice education is regulated in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, England currently relies on sector‑led standards. Social Work England is now exploring whether formal regulatory oversight, national guidance, strengthened development pathways or improved recognition frameworks could enhance consistency and quality.

The survey will inform this exploratory work, supported by the regulator’s Practice Education Development Group and Education and Training Advisory Forum.

Social Work England is seeking views from current and former practice educators, social workers who support students, practitioners considering becoming practice educators and any registrant with experience or opinions on practice education. The survey takes around five minutes to complete.

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