A cut-off date of 1 December has been set by the GSCC for registration applications. This cut-off has been set to help social workers get on the register before the new law, introducing protection of title, comes into force on 1 April 2005.

In announcing the new cut-off date, Chief Executive Lynne Berry said:

“We know it can be hard to set aside time to complete the registration forms. But the law is changing in a few months time and social workers who delay could be caught out. This is why we are announcing a cut-off so that everyone understands the latest they can leave this important step. If you’re qualified and committed to high standards, we look forward to receiving your application in the next few weeks. Don’t leave it to the last minute: the sooner you return the form, the sooner you could be registered.”

To help social workers register in time, the GSCC is also looking to streamline its processes to make sure registration is as user-friendly as possible, whilst remaining a rigorous check for public protection.

The GSCC will give priority to applications received before 1 December 2004. It cannot guarantee that applications received after 1 December will be registered before the legal restriction of protection of title comes into force, but will make every effort to process them in time.

Whilst standard applications received before this cut-off date should be processed in time, the GSCC warns that some applications will take longer. These include applications from social workers who qualified outside the UK or have declarations to make. To be sure to meet the legal deadline for registration, social workers are advised to apply as soon as possible.

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Notes to editors

Media enquiries:
Imogen Shillito 020 7397 5831 or 07771 914 481
Registration enquiries: 0845 070 0630 or registration@gscc.org.uk