The window for all registered social workers to apply to renew their registration and submit their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record is open.
In order to remain on the register you must submit at least two pieces of CPD to your Social Work England account ahead of the deadline on 30 November.
CPD is an essential reflection and learning activity. It is recommended that you take the time to complete and update your record throughout the year, which you can save on the Research in Practice website. A dedicated CPD page contains information and resources to support social workers – we will be releasing regular content during the renewal window.
Recording your CPD on the Research in Practice website
Anyone with a Research in Practice account is able to keep a record of their CPD. You can reflect and record your thoughts using the CPD button on each page, as well as bookmarking and sharing resources with colleagues. Review your reflections in ‘Your CPD’, which you can use to help you when recording your CPD on the Social Work England website.
Our video provides a short overview of how you can record your CPD on our website.
The annual renewal window is open between 1 September and 30 November. Social workers are encouraged to complete their renewal early to avoid complications.
To renew your registration, log in to your Social Work England account and select ‘Apply to renew your application’. You will need to complete your personal details and other information about your practice.
You will need to pay the registration fee and then add your CPD.
To meet the CPD requirements, you must record a minimum of 2 different pieces of CPD.
You must include a peer reflection with at least one of piece of CPD. Record what you have learnt from discussing your CPD with a peer. On the form, there is a series of guiding questions to support your reflection. You will need to answer:
- The type of CPD you are reflecting on.
- A short description of the activity.
- The date.
- What you learnt from doing the activity.
- The positive impact that the activity has had (or will have) on your practice and the people you work with.
When completing your record it is important to align your reflections with Social Work England’s professional standard relating to CPD (standard 4).
At least one of the pieces of CPD should include peer reflection. Social workers need to describe what they have learnt from discussing CPD with a peer.
This could be:
- an informal discussion with a colleague
- reflective team meetings or group supervision
- supervision with a manager
- taking part in a breakout room or discussion during training or at a conference.
Social workers should reflect on how this conversation has impacted their practice. It should be about the CPD activity they have described in the rest of the form, and all peer reflection should be anonymised.
