Refer a concern on behalf of an organisation
This is for people who want to refer a concern about a social worker on behalf on an organisation such as the police or another regulator.
What we investigate
Issues that are likely to raise a concern about a social worker’s fitness to practise include:
- dishonesty, fraud or abuse of trust or position, including not maintaining professional boundaries with people with lived experiences of social work
- exploitation of a vulnerable person
- failure to act in the best interests of people with lived experience of social work
- serious breaches of confidentiality or data protection requirements
- committing reckless or deliberately harmful acts
- hiding mistakes or blocking an investigation
- serious or repeated failings in care
- where a social worker’s performance in their role has harmed people or put them at risk
- violence, sexual misconduct or indecent behaviour
- a caution or conviction for a criminal offence
- health concerns that are not being managed and may affect the safety of people or colleagues, including substance abuse or misuse
- an adverse finding by another regulatory body
- being barred from working with children or vulnerable adults
- fraudulent or deceptive entry onto Social Work England register
- other serious actions or behaviour which affect public confidence in the social work profession
When to refer a concern to us
If you think a social worker may not be fit to practise because of their behaviour, their professional skills, their health or their knowledge of the English language, you need to refer the concern to us.
You may find it helpful to consider whether the social worker’s actions or lack of actions were intentional or reckless, and the degree of harm caused as a result.
You should also consider whether the social worker’s actions were a breach of our professional standards.
Issues that are likely to raise a concern about a social worker’s fitness to practise may also relate to their conduct outside of their working environment. For example, where the social worker has done something that could affect the protection of the public or undermine public confidence in the profession. This may include if a social worker has been cautioned or convicted of an offence.
If you are unsure whether to raise a concern with us, you can call us on 0808 196 2274 or email [email protected] for advice.
What we need from you
Please include as much relevant information and documentation as you can when you refer your concern to us.
We will need you to keep us regularly updated on the progress of your investigation, if relevant. You will also be asked to share any new information with us quickly and let us know the outcome of your investigation.
You can check whether we have an information sharing agreement (MOU) with your organisation.
We will ask you at the beginning of our process if you would like to be updated on progress. You will be given a named contact who you can get in touch with should you have any questions.
Once we have assessed your concern, we will let you know the outcome.