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Conditions bank

This guidance outlines the wording that should be used when drafting conditions and should be read in conjunction with our glossary of terms and indicative sanction guidance.

Fitness to practise conditions bank

Last updated: 13 September 2021


Drafting conditions

This guidance outlines the wording that should be used when drafting conditions and should be read in conjunction with our glossary of terms and indicative sanction guidance.

The guidance is for our case examiners, adjudicators and staff and should be used for both interim and final orders of conditions of practice.

The tables below states when a condition can and cannot be used for interim orders. Any costs associated with fulfilling conditions are the responsibility of the social worker unless specified otherwise.

Some costs associated with fulfilling health conditions, such as the requirement for blood or other tests, may be paid for by us at our discretion. Any reference to “days” in the bank is taken to be calendar days, not working days.

Which conditions are private?

Most conditions are not private or confidential which means we’ll publish them on the online register and disclose them to anyone who asks for them. These are marked as ‘not private’ in the tables below.

This makes sure the public are aware of any restrictions on a social workers practice and helps to maintain public protection.

There are some conditions, particularly those that relate to the social worker’s health, that must be kept private and confidential. These conditions are assigned ‘private’ in the tables below. We do not publish these conditions on the online register and we do not disclose them when asked unless the conditions specify that certain private conditions can be shared with certain parties.

An example of this might be where the social worker must stay under the care of a registered general medical practitioner (GP). The GP would need to know what they were expected to monitor and report on, but the wider public would not need to know.

In most cases, it’ll be appropriate to make it a condition that the social worker discloses private conditions to those who need to know like their GP, an employer, or a prospective employer.

Standard conditions

Condition 1

You must notify Social Work England within [X] days of any professional appointment you accept or are currently undertaking and provide the contact details of your employer, agency or any organisation with which you have a contract or arrangement to provide social work services, whether paid or voluntary.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The purpose of this condition is to allow us to keep track of the social worker’s employment status and make sure any employers are aware of their conditions. The drafter must choose the appropriate number of days and not just use words such as “promptly”.

Condition 2

You must allow Social Work England to exchange information with your employer, agency or any organisation with which you have a contract or arrangement to provide social work or educational services, and any reporter or workplace supervisor referred to in these conditions.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This can be tailored by removing roles such as reporter or workplace supervisor if you’ve chosen not to include these roles in the conditions.

Condition 3

a. At any time you are providing social work services, which require you to be registered with Social Work England, you must agree to the appointment of a reporter nominated by [X] and approved by Social Work England. The reporter must be on Social Work England’s register.

b. You must not start or continue to work until these arrangements have been approved by Social Work England.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The reporter is normally nominated by the social worker. Reporters are appropriate in most health cases to allow us to monitor the social worker’s performance and conduct at work. We can approve reporters in one business day if a full CV is sent at the time of the request.

Condition 4

You must provide reports from your reporter to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review and Social Work England will make these reports available to any workplace supervisor referred to in these conditions on request.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

The frequency depends on the case. In health cases, reports should be sent to the medical supervisor, GP or psychiatrist. If this is the case, the condition may then become private.

In the case of an Interim Order, the requirement for a report ‘X days prior to any review’ can be removed due to the frequency of review hearings.

Condition 5

You must inform Social Work England within 7 days of receiving notice of any formal disciplinary proceedings taken against you from the date these conditions take effect.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

None.

Condition 6

You must inform Social Work England within 7 days of receiving notice of any investigations or complaints made against you from the date these conditions take effect.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Social workers who are self-employed are unlikely to put themselves through formal procedures. This may be a suitable alternative to condition 5 to capture both employment and self-employment.

Condition 7

You must inform Social Work England if you apply for social work employment / self-employment (paid or voluntary) outside England within 7 days of the date of application.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This makes sure concerns can be shared with other jurisdictions.

Condition 8

You must inform Social Work England if you are registered or subsequently apply for registration with any other UK regulator, overseas regulator or relevant authority within 7 days of the date of application [for future registration] or 7 days from the date these conditions take effect [for existing registration].

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This will allow us to notify any relevant UK, EU or non-EU regulators or relevant authorities. Do not remove the bracketed text.

Condition 9

You must provide a written copy of your conditions, within [X] days from the date these conditions take effect, to the following parties confirming that your registration is subject to the conditions listed at (X) to (X), above:

  • Any organisation or person employing or contracting with you to undertake social work services whether paid or voluntary.
  • Any locum, agency or out-of-hours service you are registered with or apply to be registered with in order to secure employment or contracts to undertake social work services whether paid or voluntary (at the time of application).
  • Any prospective employer who would be employing or contracting with you to undertake social work services whether paid or voluntary (at the time of application).
  • Any organisation, agency or employer where you are using your social work qualification/knowledge/skills in a non-qualified social work role, whether paid or voluntary.

You must forward written evidence of your compliance with this condition to Social Work England within [X] days from the date these conditions take effect

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This should always be the penultimate condition. Consider whether any private conditions need to be excluded. The drafter must choose the appropriate timeframe. This must be a specific number of days, not just words like ‘promptly’. The deadline for evidence of compliance with the condition being sent to us should usually be longer than the deadline to inform.

Condition 10

You must permit Social Work England to disclose the above conditions, (X) to (X), to any person requesting information about your registration status.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This should always be the last condition. Only the non-private conditions should be included the brackets.

 

Personal development plan

All social workers with concerns about their practice must have an active personal development plan. At least one of these conditions should normally be included.

Condition 11

You must work with your [workplace supervisor/reporter], to formulate a personal development plan, specifically designed to address the shortfalls in the following areas of your practice:

  • [List the areas requiring development]
Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

This is applicable in cases where the concerns raised are about the social worker’s practice. This is normally a substantive condition as interim orders are not about remediation, however, there will be interim orders where this condition is necessary for the protection of service users. The drafter must list all the areas that require development relating to the facts of the case.

Condition 12

a. You must formulate a personal development plan, specifically designed to address the shortfalls in the following areas of your practice:

  • [List the areas requiring development]

b. Your personal development plan must be signed off by your employer.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

This is a suitable alternative to condition 11 in cases where a workplace supervisor or reporter has not been set.

This is normally a substantive condition as interim orders are not about remediation, however, there will be interim orders where this condition is necessary for the protection of service users.

The drafter must list all the areas that require development relating to the facts of the case.

Condition 13

You must provide a copy of your personal development plan to Social Work England within [X] weeks from the date these conditions take effect and an updated copy [X] weeks prior to any review.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

This is normally a substantive condition as interim orders are not about remediation, however, there will be interim orders where this condition is necessary for the protection of service users. The drafter must specify the length of time to complete the condition and whether or not they want an updated copy before a review.

If an updated copy is required, we would suggest this is required at least 1 month prior to any review to ensure any issues within the personal development plan can be explored as part of preparation for the review hearing.

Applicable in cases where the allegation raises concerns about clinical matters.

Workplace supervision

Condition 14

a. At any time you are employed, or providing social work services, which require you to be registered with Social Work England; you must place yourself and remain under the [close/direct/delete altogether where appropriate] supervision of a workplace supervisor nominated by [X], and agreed by Social Work England. The workplace supervisor must be on Social Work England ’s register.

b. You must not start or continue to work until these arrangements have been approved by Social Work England.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Please refer to the glossary of terms for the definition of a workplace supervisor. The drafter will need to define the level of supervision the social worker will need, particularly if the level of supervision is different for different activities. The workplace supervisor may be the same person as the reporter if it’s appropriate. We can approve workplace supervisors in one business day if a full CV is sent at the time of the request.

Condition 15

You must provide reports from your workplace supervisor to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review, and Social Work England will make these reports available to any reporter referred to in these conditions on request.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide the timeframe for reporting.

In the case of an Interim Order, the requirement for a report ‘X days prior to any review’ can be removed due to the frequency of review hearings.

Condition 16

You must keep your professional commitments under review and limit your social work practice in accordance with your workplace supervisor’s advice.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

None.

 

Conditions for social workers with health issues

Condition 17

a. You must place yourself under medical supervision by a named medical supervisor approved by Social Work England, attend appointments as arranged, follow their advice, and comply with their recommended treatment.

b. You must provide a copy of the full determination to your medical supervisor.

c. You must provide reports from your medical supervisor to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review.

d. You shall advise Social Work England of the name of the medical supervisor within [X] days of these conditions taking effect.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This must be directed for all substantive cases where the social worker’s fitness to practise is impaired through ill health. Please refer to the glossary of terms for the role of the medical supervisor. The time frame for reporting must be decided by the drafter. This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 18

You must allow Social Work England to exchange information with your medical supervisor regarding your progress under any treatment, your fitness to practise and your compliance with these conditions.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 19

a. Within [X] days from the date these conditions take effect, you must register with and remain under the care of a general medical practitioner (GP) and inform them that you are subject to supervision under Social Work England fitness to practise procedures, and of these conditions.

b. Within [X] days from the date these conditions take effect, you must inform [your medical supervisor and] Social Work England of the name and contact details of your GP and any other registered medical practitioner responsible for your care, and to inform those practitioners about your impairing condition and any treatment which you are receiving.

c. You must allow [your medical supervisor and] Social Work England to exchange information about your health, (and any treatment you are receiving), with your GP and any other registered medical practitioner responsible for your care, including your occupational health practitioner(s).

d. You must inform Social Work England within 7 days of any change in your GP registration.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Use this condition together with condition 16 or instead of condition 16 if 16 has not been used. If you’re not using condition 16, remove reference to the medical supervisor in this condition. The drafter must choose the appropriate timeframe. This must be a specific number of days, not just words like ‘promptly’. Depending on the facts of the case, it may be appropriate to have a similar condition for another practitioner, for example a psychiatrist or occupational health practitioner etc. This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 20

You must provide reports from your GP to Social Work England every[X] months and at least [X] days before any review hearing.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

See notes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

In the case of an Interim Order, the requirement for a report ‘X days prior to any review’ can be removed due to the frequency of review hearings

Condition 21

a. You must obtain the approval of your medical supervisor/GP/psychiatrist before accepting or continuing to work in any post for which registration with Social Work England is required.

b. You must forward written evidence of any approval to Social Work England prior to starting any post for which registration with Social Work England is required.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician.

Condition 22

You must keep your professional commitments under review and limit your social work practice in accordance with your medical supervisor/GP/psychiatrist‘s advice.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician.

Condition 23

a. You must cease work immediately if your medical supervisor/GP/psychiatrist advises you to do so.

b. You must inform Social Work England that you have been advised to stop working within 7 days of being advised to cease.

Private/not private

Private/not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician. This condition presents a competing public interest. Therefore, the drafter could decide to make the condition non-private if they believe it’s necessary to protect the public.

Condition 24

You shall not engage in single-handed social work practice and shall only work at premises where another registered social worker is working at the same time as you are working and with whom you have made personal contact with before you commence work each day.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can be particularly useful for social workers with drug and alcohol issues. It allows other registered professionals to assess whether they appear to be under the influence before work duties start by having an open discussion with the social worker. The social worker should agree a protocol with those they are expected to work with, detailing how this will work in practice. The effect on social workers who are currently single-handed practitioners will be to stop them from working alone. This will be justified in the context of minimising risk to the public and would not prevent the social worker working in another setting.

Condition 25

You will permit other members of the social work team at your place of employment to contact your medical supervisor/GP and Social Work England immediately if they are concerned about your fitness to practise.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician. The social worker should agree a protocol with those that are allowed to make contact with either us or their medical professionals, detailing how this will work in practice. This will require a certain amount of confidential information to be shared with other members of the social work team.

 

Conditions for all social work professionals with alcohol and/or drug misuse problems

All social workers found or alleged to have impairment as a result of alcohol and/or drug misuse should have some or all of the following conditions attached to their registration.

Condition 26

You must comply with arrangements made by, or on behalf of, Social Work England for the announced or unannounced testing of breath/blood/urine/saliva/hair/nails for the recent and long-term ingestion of alcohol and/or other drugs. The cost of this testing will be paid for by Social Work England.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

If drugs are involved, the drafter should specify which specific drugs they wants us to test for. For example, codeine and tramadol. The drafter should use this condition if they intend for Social Work England to pay for testing. This will often be the case for interim orders. The cost of remediation should be paid for by the social worker. We should only pay for testing if the social worker has adequately demonstrated they cannot pay.

Condition 27

a. You must make arrangements for the testing of breath/blood/urine/saliva/hair/nails for the recent and long-term ingestion of alcohol and/or other drugs. You will be responsible for the cost of this testing.

b. You must provide test results to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter should use this condition if they intend for the social worker to pay for their own testing. The drafter should try to assist the social worker by detailing which tests need to be done and at what frequency using the medical reports they have available.

Condition 28

a. You must attend [monthly/bi-monthly] meetings of [Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous/any other support group/individual alcohol/drug counselling], if recommended to do so by your medical supervisor/GP/psychiatrist.

b. You must provide written evidence of your attendance at such meetings to Social Work England every [X] months.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

If it’s appropriate, the drafter can adapt part (a) to include the frequency of the social worker’s attendance at meetings. The drafter must try and be as specific as possible.

(b) The drafter must decide the timeframe for reporting.

 

Personal alcohol use

Condition 29

a. You must abstain absolutely from the consumption of alcohol.

b. If you do drink, you must inform your medical supervisor/ GP psychiatrist and Social Work England within 24 hours and follow any advice that they may give you.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas. Tailor to appropriate physicians.

Condition 30

a. You must limit your alcohol consumption in accordance with your medical supervisor/ GP /psychiatrist’s advice, abstaining absolutely if required.

b. If you exceed your recommended alcohol consumption, you must inform your medical supervisor/ GP psychiatrist and Social Work England within 24 hours and follow any advice that they may give you.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas. Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician.

 

Personal drug use

Condition 31

You must abstain absolutely from the taking of [drugs].

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must specify which drugs where possible or at least reference ‘illegal drugs’. This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 32

a. You must take drugs only as prescribed for you by your medical supervisor or any prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

b. You must provide copies every [X] months of prescriptions provided by any prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 33

You must refrain from self-medication, apart from over the counter drugs which do not require a prescription, and take drugs only as prescribed for you by a prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 34

You must refrain from all forms of self-medication, including over the counter drugs which do not require a prescription, and take drugs only as prescribed for you by a prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition also includes any over the counter drugs or those that can be bought online. It should only be used when absolutely necessary. This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 35

You must not possess those drugs listed in Schedules 1-4 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, (as may from time to time be amended) and only take drugs prescribed or administered for you (including over the counter drugs that do not require a prescription in the UK) by a prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition includes any over the counter drugs or those that can be bought online. This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

Condition 36

a. You must not take drugs listed in Schedules 1-4 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (as may from time to time be amended) unless prescribed or administered for you by a prescribing practitioner responsible for your care.

b. You must inform Social Work England that you have been prescribed or administered a drug listed in the Schedules 1-4 Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and the circumstances of this, within 7 days from the date of the prescription.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

 

Treating psychiatrist

Condition 37

You must remain under the care of a treating psychiatrist and must allow your GP/medical supervisor and Social Work England to exchange information with them about your condition and the treatment you are receiving.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

Tailor this condition to the appropriate physician.

 

Practice restrictions (working arrangements)

Condition 38

You must only work as a social worker in premises where at least 2 other social workers are employed at any one time and are on the premises daily.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition means that the social worker must work for an employer with at least two other registered social workers who are on the premises daily.

Condition 39

You must not supervise the work of any other social worker or student social worker.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition prevents practice educators, ASYE supervisors or those who manage other social workers from supervising the work of others. This is particularly relevant for social workers where there are competency issues with their practice or concerns about their workplace conduct.

Condition 40

You must not be responsible for the work of any other social worker or student social worker.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This would prevent a social worker from carrying out a social work managerial role entirely.

Condition 41

You must not work as an independent social worker and must only work as a social worker at premises where other social workers are employed.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

None

Condition 42

You must not be responsible for the [administration/management] of any independent social work practice/establishment.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

None

Condition 43

You must limit your social work practice to [X] days per week.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide the number of days.

Condition 44

You must engage in social work practice only at an establishment you do not own, at premises where another social worker is working at the same time as you, and with whom you have made personal contact before you start work each day.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The social worker should agree a protocol with those they are expected to work with, detailing how this will work in practice.

 

Practice restrictions (agency/locum work)

Condition 45

a. You must not work for an agency, as a locum or undertake out-of-hours work or on-call duties without the prior written agreement of your workplace supervisor/reporter.

b. You must provide the written agreement from your workplace supervisor/reporter to Social Work England at least 24 hours prior to any agency, locum, out-of-hours or on-call duties commencing.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide who will provide the written agreement.

Condition 46

You must not undertake any agency, locum, out-of-hours or on-call duties.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This could be tailored to only apply to agency, locum out-or-hours or on-call duties by using the phrase ‘outside of your current employer or organisation’.

Condition 47

You must not undertake any agency or locum posts of less than [X] weeks/months duration.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must determine the timeframe.

 

Practice restrictions (scope of practice)

Condition 48

You must not carry out [name of area or type of practice e.g. Form F Assessments]

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must specify the types of activity and areas of practice the social worker must not carry out

Condition 49

a. With the exception of life-threatening circumstances, you must not carry out [name of area/certain type of practice] unless directly supervised by another social worker.

b. You must maintain a log detailing every case where you have undertaken [name of area/certain type of practice]. This log must be signed by your [workplace supervisor/reporter].

c. You must provide a copy of this log to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review or, alternatively, confirm there have been no such cases during that period.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must specify the types of activity and areas of practice the social worker must not carry out and the frequency of when the log should be provided. The draft must specify who must counter-sign the log.

 

Social workers currently living outside of England

Condition 50

You must inform Social Work England within 7 days of your return to England. The following conditions/Conditions [X] to [X] can only be fulfilled in England and the monitoring of your compliance of these conditions will start from the date of your return.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This will usually be the first condition for all social workers who are currently living outside England unless there are conditions in relation to the health of the social worker that can still be complied with.

Condition 51

You must inform Social Work England within 7 days of your return to England.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

None

 

Auditing areas of practice

Condition 52

a. You must carry out an audit of [name of area or type of practice]. The audit must be signed by your [workplace supervisor/reporter/employer].

b. You must provide a copy of this audit to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review or, alternatively, confirm that there have been no such cases.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must outline the areas and types of practice that are to be audited, the professional signing it off, and the timeframe for it to be sent to us.

Condition 53

a. You must undertake at least [X] audit(s) of [name of practice area/type of practice] within the next [X] months. The audit(s) must be signed by your [workplace supervisor/reporter/employer].

b. You must provide copies of these audits to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide the number of audits, the area the audits will focus on, and which professional will sign them off. The drafter must also decide how often those audits should be sent to us.

Condition 54

a. You must make arrangements for an audit to be carried out by your [workplace supervisor/reporter] in relation to [name of area or type of practice]. The audit must be signed by your [workplace supervisor/reporter].

b. You must provide a copy of this audit to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review or, alternatively, confirm that there have been no such cases.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter should use this condition with caution because of the workload it places on the workplace supervisor and/or reporter. Submission deadlines should be realistic and not unnecessarily tight. Alternatively, use conditions 51, 52 or 56 to require the social worker to carry out the audit and have it countersigned or verified by the workplace supervisor and/or reporter. The drafter must decide who will undertake the audit, what the audit should focus on, and when it should be sent to us.

Condition 55

a. You must develop, monitor or review practice protocols in respect of [name of practice area/type].

b. You must provide written evidence to Social Work England of the steps you have taken to develop, monitor or review practice protocols as outlined in(a) above, within [X] months from the date these conditions take effect.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide the area the protocols should cover. For example, complaints management. The drafter must decide the frequency that information must be sent to us.

Condition 56

You must follow practice protocols in respect of [name of practice area/type].

You must provide an audit to Social Work England of your compliance with practice protocols as outlined in (a) above, within [X] months from the date these conditions take effect. 

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide the area of protocol the social worker must comply with. The draft must specify the timeframe in which the audit must be sent to us.

Condition 57

a. You must carry out an audit of all service users to whom you have [name of practice area or type]. The audit must be signed by your [workplace supervisor/reporter/employer].

b. You must provide a copy of this audit to Social Work England every [X] months and at least [X] days prior to any review or, alternatively, confirm that there have been no such cases.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must decide number of audits and the area the audits will focus on. For example, home visits. The drafter must also decide which professional will sign them off. The drafter must decide how often those audits should be sent to us.

 

Reflection and continuing professional development (CPD)

Condition 58

You must read Social Work England’s ‘Professional Standards’ (July 2019), and provide a written reflection [X] months after these conditions take effect, focusing on how your conduct, for matters relating to this case [list the concerns], was allegedly below the accepted standard of a social worker, outlining what you should have done differently.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must outline the timescale for submission of documents to us as well as the areas of concern. The drafter may wish to specify a minimum or maximum word count. The drafter MUST remove the word allegedly for substantive condition orders. The case examiners may leave it in place depending on what concerns have been accepted by the social worker.

Condition 59

a. You must undertake [X] hours of CPD in relation to [name of practice area or type].

b. You must provide evidence of CPD undertaken to Social Work England within [X] months of these conditions taking effect.

Private/not private

Not private

Can be used for interim conditions

No

Notes for decision makers

The drafter must specify how many hours and what practice areas and types of practice must be covered. The drafter must specify the timeframes for the evidence to be sent to us.

 

Miscellaneous

Condition 60

You must keep Social Work England informed as to the progress of criminal proceedings against you within 7 days of receiving notification of any update.

Private/not private

Private

Can be used for interim conditions

Yes

Notes for decision makers

This condition can still be complied with if the social worker is overseas.

 

Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001

Drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 are placed into five categories referred to in ‘schedules 1-5’ of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The categorisation is based on their medicinal or therapeutic usefulness and the need for legitimate access and the potential harm they can cause when misused. The more harmful the drug could be if misused, the higher up the schedule and the stronger the controls around its availability.

Schedule 1

Drugs that have no therapeutic value and their production, possession and supply are limited to research or other special purposes.

Examples include cannabis and MDMA (ecstasy).

Schedule 2

Drugs that have therapeutic value but are highly addictive. These drugs are strictly controlled and subject to special requirements relating to their prescription, dispensing, recording and safe custody.

Examples include potent opioids such as morphine and diamorphine.

Schedule 3

Drugs which are less likely to be misused than the drugs in schedule 2 or are less harmful if misused. There will still be special requirements relating to their prescription and dispensing but they do not need to be kept in safe custody or be recorded in a controlled drugs register.

Examples include tramadol, temazepam, midazolam, buprenorphine and methylphenobarbitone.

Schedule 4

Part 1 covers benzodiazepines (for example diazepam (valium) but excluding temazepam and midazolam which are in Schedule 3).

Part 2 covers anabolic and androgenic steroids (for example prasterone, testosterone and nandrolone). These are subject to lighter regulation, being exempt from safe custody and prescription writing requirements.

Schedule 5

Weaker preparations of schedule 2 drugs that present little risk of misuse. These can be sold over the counter in pharmacies without prescription.

Examples include codeine, medicinal opium or morphine (less than 0.2%concentration).

For a full list of the drugs classified in each schedule, please refer directly to current legislation. Information correct at the time of writing.

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