Return to Social Work Practice

Together for Children are offering a Return to Social Work Practice programme to support social workers wishing to return to practice after a career break. The programme aims to help returnees to complete the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) required to re-register with Social Work England (SWE). Successful applicants will be offered supervised practice, completed under the supervision of a registered professional allowing them to update their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment, to resume being registered social work practitioners with Social Work England. During supervised practice there is no expectation to carry a caseload.

Supervised practice takes the form of shadowing social workers and may include any of the following:

• providing information, support and guidance to children, young people and their families
• assessments
• care planning
• applying legislation
• signposting and liaising with other agencies
• attending team and multi-disciplinary meetings and case recordings
• training sessions
• any other activities relevant to the setting.

It is important to us that those returning to social work benefit from a positive and supportive learning experience and feel valued as part of the team. Therefore, managers, supervisors and practice educators will meet with candidates to ensure they receive the support and development needed. Candidates will:

• Receive a comprehensive induction and relevant mandatory training before starting the programme.
• Receive E-learning, virtual training and face-to-face training.
• Be assigned a practice educator who will provide support and advice as required throughout the programme.
• Receive weekly supervision and caseload management meetings provided by a social worker.

The amount of CPD required to re-register depends on how long ago a person left practice. For example, if they left the register:

• Between 2-5 years ago, they would need to show that they have spent at least thirty days updating their skills, knowledge, and experience.
• More than 5 years ago, they must show that they have spent at least sixty days updating their skills, knowledge, and experience.

A day is counted as seven hours by the SWE guidelines. Please visit the SWE website for more detailed guidance on restoration.

They must have previously been a Social Worker registered with either the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Social Work England (SWE). They must not have been removed from the register automatically because of a listed offence, OR subject to a removal order within the last 5 years, OR if more than 5 years have passed since their removal order, they have not made an unsuccessful application to restore their registration within the last 12 months, OR convicted of a listed offence.

Follow the steps noted on the Social Work England (SWE) website on ‘How to apply to restore your registration.’

1. They will need an account with SWE to start the process.
2. To complete the application to restore their registration, they will need to provide the following information:

• Proof of any name changes that have occurred since they were last registered, such as a marriage certificate (this must be a certified colour copy).
• Details of the qualification that entitles them to join the register.
• Evidence of updating their skills and knowledge (if they have left the register for more than two years).
• Information about their employment since they left the register and any other regulators with whom they hold registration.
• Details of any criminal convictions or cautions that they have not yet disclosed to SWE, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or the General Social Care Council (GSCC), except those that are protected.
• Health conditions they have not yet disclosed to SWE, the HCPC or GSCC that could affect their practice as a social worker.
• Details of any occasions where a regulatory body has investigated their fitness to practice.
• Up-to-date evidence of their knowledge of English (in some circumstances).

Their profession can be used towards their return to practice hours and used as evidence for registration with the SWE. Please apply using the application form here on North East Jobs. Applications are reviewed upon receipt. After successful completion of the programme, candidates will be able to apply for open social work vacancies.

Application form is sent to the Principal Social Worker for review and shortlist for informal interview. Interview held and candidates will meet the team who will support them on the programme. Candidates will also need to provide relevant ID:

• Proof of address
• Proof of qualifications
• Details of previous registration.

The interview discussion will include:

• Previous experience
• Any experience during absence from practice
• Type of role interested in returning to
• Working pattern they would like
• Learning & Development needs
• Why they are interested in Together for Children
• Confirmation that there have been no previous restrictions on practice

If successful and offered the Return to Social Work Programme, due diligence checks will be completed:

• Enhanced DBS with Child Barred list check (Disclosure and Barring Service)
• References
• A voluntary agreement to support on the unpaid Return to Social Work Practice Programme and agree that you will be delegated work by a registered social work professional in a supernumerary capacity, as contained in the Together for Children Volunteer Policy.