General Social Care Council

FAQs about the GSCC

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the General Social Care Council. If you have a question that is not answered here, please email info@gscc.org.uk

• Who are the General Social Care Council?
• What are the GSCC's priorities?
• Where can I get more information about the degree in social work?
• I've successfully studied for a GSCC-recognised qualification but I've lost my certificate. Can I get a duplicate?
• How do I apply for a letter of verification?
• How will I know when I am required to register with the General Social Care Council?
• Can the GSCC help me find a job?
• Can the GSCC help me with work-related problems?
• I've read that the GSCC is transferring its function. What does this mean?
• Where can I find more information of the transfer of the GSCC's function?
• Will anything happen to my data ahead of the transfer? 

Who are the General Social Care Council?

The General Social Care Council (GSCC) is the regulator of the social work profession and social work education in England.

We protect the public by requiring high standards of education, conduct and practice of all social workers. We do this by maintaining a compulsory register of social workers and issuing and enforcing the codes of practice for the profession.

We also regulate social work education and training.

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What are the GSCC's priorities?

Sustaining delivery and improving our investigation and hearing arrangements

• Development of an effective and respected regulatory framework for social work education which is risk based; open and transparent; supports accreditation of courses and establishments; and drives up standards in education
• Engagement and support to the social work sector and the Reform Board agenda, helping to ensure standards of proficiency in social work practice and that social work services are improved
• The implementation of effective registration arrangements which reflect the changing social work landscape
• Excellent management of resources, ensuring the GSCC makes best use of all the resources at its disposal; benefits from sound quality assurance frameworks; and is recognised as an excellent employer
• Undertaking an effective transition of GSCC activities to the HPC along with any other agencies identified as receiving work.

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Where can I get more information about the degree in social work?

You can find out about the social work degree and other relevant training information in the training and learning section.

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I've successfully studied for a GSCC-recognised qualification but I've lost my certificate. Can I get a duplicate?

The GSCC no longer issues replacement or verification certificates for any award. However we can issue you with a letter of verification which will show that you have passed your qualification.

Read our FAQ on how to apply for a letter of verification below.

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How do I apply for a letter of verification?

To apply for a letter of verification for UK qualifications please complete the form below and submit to qualverification@gscc.org.uk

Please note the verification process will typically take up to 20 working days.

Letter of Verification Application Form - Word doc (84KB)

If you have any queries regarding our new qualification verification service please contact:

E-mail: qualverification@gscc.org.uk
Tel: 01788 532400

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How will I know when I am required to register with the General Social Care Council?

All qualified social workers must register with the GSCC. Remember if you were registered with us as a student you will need to apply again when you are qualified.

You can download an application pack from the website.

Alternatively you can request an application pack by emailing registration@gscc.org.uk or calling the registration helpline on 0845 070 0630.

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Can the GSCC help me find a job?

As a Regulator, the GSCC is not able to help in finding employment for Qualified Social Workers. The GSCC itself does not employ social workers in a social work capacity, nor does the GSCC advertise vacancies or recommend any particular institution as a suitable employer.

To be considered for employment you will need to write to individual employers, for example local authorities who recruit and employ social workers or respond directly to specific job advertisements in the press.

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Can the GSCC help me with work-related problems?

The GSCC’s primary role as a regulator is to protect the public. We are unable to offer advice or give guidance on employment issues. We would recommend that you firstly go through your own employers’ grievance procedures. If you have done this and are still unhappy then we would recommend you can seek advice from either a trade union or local citizens advice bureau.

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I've read that the GSCC is transferring its function. What does this mean?

In July 2010, the Government announced that our functions will be transferred to the Health Professions Council (HPC). The transfer will happen on the 31 July, with the HPC becoming the new regulator for social workers on the 1 August 2012. The HPC will also change its name to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

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Where can I find more information of the transfer of the GSCC's function?

We have created a section of the website with information specifically about the transfer to the HPC. This section is updated as and when any new information becomes available.

On the news of the transfer we issued an email from our Chief Executive to GSCC registrants which is viewable on the transfer information page. We have also produced a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section to answer any queries and have issued a press release to the media.

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Will anything happen to my data ahead of the transfer?

Ahead of the transfer the GSCC will begin securely sharing information with the HPC about the Social Care Register and our registrants. The HPC needs this information before the GSCC closes so that they can be fully prepared to open their register on the day of transfer.

Both the GSCC and the HPC take the security and confidentiality of registrant’s data very seriously. All information shared with the HPC will be shared safely and securely and electronic information will be encrypted to the recommended industry standards.

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