Lay Adjudicator in Sheffield

Location: National

Proposed fee: £326 per day; A minimum commitment of 20 days per year.

This is a ‘worker' status role. As such, all payments will be processed through payroll and will be subject to statutory deductions including income tax, National Insurance, and optional pension contributions where applicable.

Social Work England is the specialist body that regulates social workers in their vital role. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change, and ultimately improve people’s lives.

We’re looking for partners who can offer their skills and knowledge for several days throughout the year to support our fitness to practise function. Lay adjudicators are individuals who are not registered social workers nor hold the qualifications that would entitle them to be registered. As a Lay Adjudicator, you will serve as a panel member in fitness to practise hearings that consider concerns about a social worker’s conduct, competence or health. You will assist in the decision-making process of a hearing in order to determine whether a social worker’s fitness to practise is, or continues to be, impaired. You will play a key role in making impartial, fair, and evidence-based decisions that support public protection and uphold professional standards. You will be confident in making independent decisions that stand up to scrutiny and be able to articulate these clearly and carefully in written judgements. No two days will be the same as you’ll strive to ensure that cases are dealt with efficiently, objectively and fairly.

Lay adjudicators are appointed to hear cases and contribute to decision making under Regulation 19(3), 25 and Schedule 2 of The Social Workers Regulations 2018 (as amended). A ‘lay person’ means a person who is not and never has been registered as a social worker in the UK and does not hold qualifications that would entitle them to be registered. If you meet the definition of a lay person, you are eligible to undertake a lay adjudicator role.

We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds who are representative of the UK population, our registrants and communities our social workers serve across the country. Our offices are Sheffield based, with the majority of our hearings taking place remotely. We are keen to receive applications from candidates throughout the UK.

What you will do:

• Read documents in advance and assimilate information quickly and accurately.
• Sit on panels that consider fitness to practise cases and other regulatory matters involving registered social workers.
• Make confident and independent decisions that stand up to scrutiny, doing so under pressure, and articulating these clearly and carefully in precise written decisions.
• Evaluate evidence presented for the hearing and provide analytical scrutiny to the hearing process, considering complex issues, multiple facts, and emotive issues.
• With the support of the legal adviser, refer to and apply the relevant sections of our legislation and policy guidance when determining cases.
• Decide as appropriate if regulatory action is required and if so, issuing appropriate sanctions and outcomes.
• Collaborate with other adjudicators to reach consensus on the most appropriate outcome for a case, maintaining public protection as a primary focus.
• Make decisions on cases that are appropriate, balanced and compliant with the legislation, guidance and fitness to practise processes.
• Listen to hearing participants and ask questions as and when necessary, during a hearing.
• Assess and weigh evidence, listen carefully to submissions, and work with fellow adjudicators to reach fair and proportionate outcomes.
• Help draft clear, well-reasoned determinations that reflect the panel’s findings and rationale.
• Ensure hearings are conducted fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with relevant legal and procedural frameworks.
• Contribute to decisions that reflect the public interest and promote confidence in the regulatory process.
• Maintain independence, confidentiality, and integrity in all aspects of the role.
• Participate in training and development activities as required.

Your Skills, Knowledge And Experience:

• Must be a layperson, defined as a person who is not and never has been registered as a social worker in the UK and does not hold qualifications that would entitle them to be registered.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess and synthesise complex information.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to contribute effectively to group decision-making.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, regulatory frameworks, the role of public protection, and professional accountability.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and composure in challenging or sensitive situations.
• Awareness of issues impacting people who use health or social care services, or with lived experience of service engagement.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or other relevant experience.
• Ability to make sound, impartial and independent decisions by exercising reasoned judgement and applying professional expertise and knowledge in different settings.
• Ability to prepare written outcomes that explain and justify decisions in an accurate, clear, and concise manner.
• Ability to work within established policies and procedures and a demonstrable commitment to the Nolan Principles for public life.
• An understanding of the Data Protection Act, the importance of preventing data security incidents and maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrable commitment to and understanding of our fitness to practise statutory framework (or commitment to acquiring that understanding), and evidence of a commitment to remain informed and up to date on current issues.
• Ability to establish credibility and maintain excellent professional relationships with people at all levels.
• Ability to collaborate with other adjudicators, demonstrating respect for the views and advice of others and supporting collective decision making.
• A proven role model for respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity in service delivery.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products and other electronic systems.

Please note that if you have ever been on a social work register or hold a qualification that would entitle you to be a registered social worker, you are not eligible to undertake a lay role.

How to apply:

To apply for the role of Lay Adjudicator, please complete the application form and submit your application by 18th July 2025. The application process includes:

• Online Application: Submit your CV and complete the sift criteria.
• Shortlisting: Applications will be assessed against sift criteria to include 3 questions about essential skills.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which may include scenario-based assessments.
• Training: Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive training before commencing their duties.

For more information about the role or the application process, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk

Closing date - 18th July 2025

We are committed to embracing equality, diversity and inclusion by promoting and sustaining an open and supportive environment. We want everyone to feel they are able to bring their whole selves to work. We expect everyone to have commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, both in their role and in how we regulate.

If you have any queries about the appointment process, please contact recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk.

At interview we will seek to further understand your skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and test the key competencies of the role. If you are successful, we will undertake routine security checks.

Find out more about our application and interview process.