This directive sets out the conditions under which professionals can practice their profession in a European community member state other than the one in which they obtained their professional qualification.

The Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive came into force on 20 October 2007. It combines 15 existing directives into a single document, in which the original directives are largely unchanged. However, there is a new provision allowing professionals to work in another member state on a ‘temporary’ basis without being required to go through the full registration process in that member state.

This document sets out the responsibilities of the GSCC and employers in managing applications for registration by social workers from European Union member states.

APPLICATIONS FOR PERMANENT REGISTRATION WITH THE GSCC

The present process of application for registration with the GSCC is unchanged for those wishing to establish themselves on a permanent basis.

You will need to continue to ensure that applicants are ‘fit for purpose’ for the particular post on offer by taking up references and where appropriate requiring them to provide evidence that they can communicate effectively in English.

TEMPORARY PROVISION OF SERVICES

A social work professional established in one European member state is entitled under the European directive to provide services on a temporary basis in another member state.

What counts as ‘temporary’ is not defined in the directive and it is for each profession in each country to determine its meaning on a case by case basis. Professionals who provide relevant information, as required by the directive, to the GSCC will be eligible for ‘temporary registration’ which will enable them to practice on an occasional basis. Notification of intention to practice on an occasional basis must be renewed on an annual basis.

Employers and others should note that ‘temporary registration’ is not the same as permanent registration with the GSCC and temporary registrants will have gone through relevant checks in their home state rather than the full GSCC procedures. These checks will not necessarily be the same as those applied by the GSCC.

A social work professional who wants to provide services on a temporary basis in another member state must be established in the same profession in the member state in which they live. Providing services on a temporary and occasional basis is not the same as being employed on a part-time basis. Those wishing to work on a part-time basis must apply to the GSCC for permanent registration.

You will still need to continue to ensure that applicants are ‘fit for purpose’ for the particular post on offer by taking up references and where appropriate requiring them to provide evidence that they can communicate effectively in English.

Employers are strongly advised to check the professional’s registration status with the GSCC.

Employers will need to be aware of the difference between a person on the permanent GSCC register, and a social worker on the ‘temporary register’ who is established in another European member state who intends to work in England on an occasional basis. However, temporary registrants are subject to the GSCC codes of practice and conduct procedures when practising in England.

For further information on temporary provision of services you are advised to contact the GSCC’s enquiries service on: 0845 070 0630 (between 10am and 4pm).