Consultation Hub

We asked for views on our proposals to make changes to the Social Workers Regulations 2018 which will support Social Work England to improve its existing flexible model of professional regulation to secure public protection, foster professionalism, and ensure standards of practise.

We received 48 responses to the consultation from a wide variety of interested stakeholders including: social workers, unions, local authorities, regulatory bodies and service users.

The responses were broadly supportive of the proposed changes with approval ranging from 68% to 94%. Both the Department and Social Work England are pleased by the positive support for the proposed changes to the Social Worker Regulations 2018 and want to thank all those who took the time and effort to respond to the consultation and for the contributions received.

Following careful consideration of responses to this consultation, the department will proceed with legislation to introduce all the proposed changes to Social Work England's regulatory framework. The social workers (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022 will be taken forward as soon as parliamentary time allows. Some respondents whop commented on the [roposed regualatory changes also provided wider comments on the way in which Social Work England operate as a regualtor. 

While these comments fell outside thw scope of this consultation, we will continue to work with SocialWork England to explore these and spcifically where there are opportunities for further improvement.

The Department for Education consulted on changes to the School Admission Appeals Code to allow appeals to be held remotely as well as in person and to allow appeal hearings to continue with two panel members where the third member needs to withdraw.

There was broad support for most of our proposals, in particular the proposal to allow admission authorities to offer remote appeals. The proposal to allow appeal hearings to continue with two panel members where the third member has to withdraw also received support but those who opposed the change raised important concerns about fairness and the perception of fairness.

A total of 488 responses were received. Of these, 94 were from local authorities, 135 were from representatives of schools and academy trusts, 169 from admission appeal panel members and 72 responses were from individuals.

Alongside the publication of the government’s response to the consultation, a revised Appeals Code was laid before Parliament on 16 June 2022. The revised Appeals Code, subject to the Parliamentary process, will come into force on 1 October 2022. The current 2012 Appeals Code will continue to apply until this date.

Respondents to comment on the proposed changes to the ‘Teacher misconduct regulatory regime’.

That it was only right for all children and young people to be safeguarded and protected wherever they are receiving their education.

We have not made any further changes to our proposals. We plan to implement all of our proposals when the next legislative opportunity arises, and we will provide further guidance as necessary at that time.