The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social work practice and education is increasing every day. Emerging research shares the views, hopes and concerns about the use of AI by social workers, social work employers, educators and AI experts.
The use of AI is changing and growing as technology rapidly develops. A new research report, published by Social Work England, aims to understand how AI is being used in social work education and practice. It also analyses opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness, and identifies implications for the professional standards for social workers.
These recommendations are becoming more urgent – so that AI can be developed and implemented in ways that enhance and support the social work role and equitably amplifies the voices of people with lived and learned experience.
Three new briefings also explore the environmental impact of AI in social work, developing ethical AI, and artificial care and companionship. The findings can be used by individuals, workforce development and practice educators to support effective practice.
While AI offers potential efficiencies, it carries an environmental impact that must be weighed against its benefits.
Explore the emerging ethical challenge of environmental sustainability in the deployment of AI within social work. This resource bridges the gap between technical reports and practice, utilising findings from research and principles from the AI Playbook for the UK Government to support informed decision-making.
As the government moves to integrate AI into public services, social work faces a critical juncture.
Explore the systemic risks associated with the ‘privatisation’ of AI development, including reliance on international tech giants and the potential erosion of professional values. These risks are contrasted with emerging UK-based initiatives designed to foster ‘home-grown’, ethically aligned AI through collaboration between computer scientists and social work experts.
As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, the boundaries between human and artificial relationships are blurring.
This briefing explores the emerging use of AI for care and companionship, examining the tension between increased accessibility and the risks of ‘pseudo-intimacy’. It draws on recent findings regarding the deployment of care robots in the UK and the psychological impact of AI-generated empathy on people with lived experience.
About the project
This work was delivered by Research in Practice and commissioned by Social Work England. The work aimed to explore the emerging use of AI in social work education and practice in England. The research, conducted in 2025, aimed to understand the types of AI being used, opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness and identify implications for the professional standards for social workers.
Understanding the emerging use of artificial intelligence in social work education and practice in England: Research report (2026)
This research aimed to understand the types of AI being used, opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness and identify implications for the professional standards for social workers.
Understanding the emerging use of artificial intelligence in social work education and practice in England
Social Work England commissioned Research in Practice to explore the emerging use of AI in social work education and practice in England. The research, conducted in 2025, aimed to understand the types of AI being used, opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness and identify implications for the professional standards for social workers.
Using Generative AI in case recording
Research in Practice and the Children’s Information Project team explored GenAI in social work, its benefits, risks, and ethical challenges in their webinar ‘Using Generative AI in Case Recording to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families’
Digital social care
This podcast explores digital social care and examines the learning we can draw from new ways of working.