PCF - Point of entry to training (PDF)

The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) is the overarching framework for social work practice in England, providing structure and guidance for social workers in every sector and at every career stage. It forms the backbone of social work education and professional development.
 
The PCF was originally devised in 2012 by the Social Work Reform Board, using partnership principles to build a fresh, values-based approach to the profession. From the outset, it was intended as a ‘live’ document, with flexibility to adapt in response to changing context and need. Consequently, it has been reviewed and refreshed twice, with both revisions adopting the same collaborative, sector-led and evidence-informed approach as the original.
 
The first revision of the PCF was undertaken in 2017-2018, following the transfer of ownership from The College of Social Work to the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) in 2015. This revision was undertaken by BASW England in conjunction with Research in Practice, at which time key changes included the creation of the ‘Super-Domains’ with an associated change in the appearance of the fan, and content revisions for a better fit with the BASW Code of Ethics and international social work definitions.
 
In 2024, BASW England commissioned an independent evaluation of the PCF, with the goal of finding out what the profession needs from the PCF in the current professional context. The overriding finding was that the PCF continues to be fit for purpose and is valued by the profession, though there were a number of recommendations for how it might be updated and improved further.
 
The current 2026 PCF Refresh has been undertaken by the BASW England Professional Capabilities and Development Group and led by Polly Sykes and Gemma Webb. The PCF remains THE whole career framework that is owned by social workers: created BY the profession, FOR the profession.

This document represents the first layer on the PCF fan, point of entry to training.