Recruitment underway for new regulator leaders.

A new regulator, responsible for driving forward improvements in social work practice, will be set up in Sheffield and recruitment is now underway for new regulator leaders.

Social Work England, established through the Children and Social Work Act 2017, will be responsible for regulating all social workers in England. The government is currently recruiting for a Chair and Chief Executive Officer to oversee its set-up and drive forward the development of the new organisation.

The new regulator will prioritise public protection and support social work practice improvement – from initial education and training, to continued professional development – and is a key part of the government’s ambition to make sure vulnerable children and families and adults receive the best support. Social Work England will be based Sheffield, providing a jobs boost for the area.

Ruth Allen, British Association of Social Workers CEO, said: “These important roles will shape the next chapter in the development of social work in England.  We hope applicants with social work and social care experience and the requisite skills will apply. The successful applicants will need to ensure public confidence and high standards. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the development of the regulator, ensuring social workers' views and concerns shape the future.”

Robert Goodwill, Minister for Children and Families, said: “Excellent social workers transform lives, and this is a key part of our ambitious reform agenda to raise standards across the country and create a world-leading profession. Social Work England will play a pivotal role in this work driving forward improvements including ensuring new social workers have access to high-quality initial training and professional development throughout their careers.”

Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families, said: “This is a really important step in ensuring that our profession has a regulator that focuses on practice excellence. I look forward to working with Social Work England’s leadership to make this a reality.”

The advertisements for Social Work England Chair and CEO are available here and here.