The social work Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF)
About the social work Education and Training Advisory Forum
Last updated: 9 September 2024
What is the ETAF?
The Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF) provides independent advice, expertise, and challenge to Social Work England on a broad range of issues related to social work education and training. It acts as a critical friend to deliver the priorities in our approach to education and training.
It has been the driving force behind the development of new readiness for professional practice guidance for education providers. This aims to streamline the complex web of voluntary standards and frameworks that students and tutors have to navigate.
Membership
The ETAF has 16 members. They include:
- people with lived and learned experience of social work
- representatives from education providers, academia, practice education, national organisations
- students
- members of our National Advisory Forum
It is chaired by Dr Kevin Stone, Associate for Education and Training at Social Work England. Dr Stone is an Associate Professor of Social Work (University of Warwick) and a practising social worker. Amanda Fitchett, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Coventry University, is the deputy chair.
These are the forum's terms of reference.
How often does the forum meet?
Meetings are held online every other month, with one in-person meeting a year in Sheffield.
Upcoming meetings
- Wednesday 06 November at 2pm to 4pm (online)
2025 meeting dates
- Thursday 9 January 2025 at 11am to 1pm (online)
- Wednesday 5 March 2025 at 10am to 3.30pm (in-person, Sheffield)
- Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 2pm to 4pm (online)
- Friday 4 July 2025 at 11am to 1pm (online)
- Tuesday 23 September 2025 at 2pm to 4pm (online)
- Thursday 6 November 2025 at 11am to 1pm (online)
2026 meeting dates
- Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 2pm to 4pm (online)