Our registration rules specify the post-registration training and learning requirements that all registered social workers must meet.
The rules state that:
- every social worker registered with the GSCC shall, within the period of registration, complete either 90 hours or 15 days of study, training, courses, seminars, reading, teaching or other activities which could reasonably be expected to advance the social worker's professional development, or contribute to the development of the profession as a whole;
- every social worker registered with the GSCC shall keep a record of post-registration training and learning undertaken; and
- failure to meet these conditions may be considered misconduct.
What sort of post-registration training and learning activities should I undertake?
We realise there are many ways to continue to learn and develop as a social worker so we have deliberately avoided being too specific about the type of activities which will meet our requirements.
We expect you to choose training and learning activities that:
- will benefit your current employment;
- will benefit your career progression;
- reflect your preferred learning style; and
- make the most of the learning opportunities available to you to form part of your wider professional development.
For example, you may wish to:
- arrange to shadow the work of a colleague in a related team or profession
- negotiate protected time to research latest policy and good practice developments in your field of practice; or
- undertake a piece of research related to your practice.
If you are studying for a certificated post-qualifying award, you can use those studies as evidence that you meet the post-registration training and learning requirements.
How much time do I need to spend?
The requirement is for 90 hours, which is about 15 full days.
The time doesn't have to be made up of 15 full days - you can make up the 90 hours with as many short periods of training or learning as you like.
Treat the requirement of 90 hours or 15 days as the minimum.
When do I need to do the training or learning?
As long as you do the training or learning within your three-year registration period, it doesn't matter when you do it. You could complete all 15 days of training and learning in one of the years of the registration period but it is equally acceptable for you to complete five days training and learning a year. Keep a record of your post-registration training and learning because when you apply to renew your registration, we may ask you to provide evidence of your training and learning.
We have included a suggested format to record your training and learning which you can download here -
Post-registration training and learning form (PDF - 21 KB).
Post-registration training and learning form (Word 45 KB)
The role of employers in post-registration training and learning
The Code of Practice for Employers of Social Care Workers states that employers are expected to support registered workers to meet our requirements for continuing professional development.
We expect that the post-registration training and learning activities you undertake will be consistent with your work role and the aims and objectives of your employer. It is important that you and your employer or manager discuss and plan how you will meet your training and learning requirements. This will enable you to build on your knowledge and experience and enhance your expertise in your current areas of practice, which will also support your employers' objectives.
Supervision sessions provide a good opportunity to:
- identify areas for your personal development;
- identify your training and learning needs;
- develop your training and learning plan; and
- monitor your training and learning plan and make changes.
Training and learning for self-employed social workers
If you are self-employed, you will still need to satisfy us that you have taken part in post-registration training and learning when you renew your registration.
The training and learning activities you undertake should enhance your areas of expertise and support the work you do just as it should for social workers who work for an employer.
The GSCC accepts certain individuals to endorse independent social workers, details are available on request. Email registration@gscc.org.uk