NQSW continuous professional learning (CPL) registration requirements

We are currently changing how NQSWs meet their CPL requirements.

Applications to register will pause on 10 April 2024 and resume of 3 June 2024.

Every NQSW registered from 3 June will meet new CPL requirements which include mandatory learning activity.

All NQSWs registered before 3 June will meet the existing CPL requirements of a minimum 144 hours, including child and adult protection.

Please use the presentation below to access all relevant information and link to guidance and templates.

Guidance and templates for NQSWs registered before June 2024   

• Within the first 12 months of registration, or 18 months if you work part-time, as a newly qualified social worker (NQSW) you are required to undertake 24 days (144 hrs) training and learning.

At least five days (30 hours) of this activity should focus on working effectively with colleagues and other professionals to identify, assess and manage risk to vulnerable groups. This is to ensure you can meet the primary responsibility of protecting children and adults from harm regardless of setting.

You can achieve this in several different ways including formal and informal learning. It is important to achieve a balance between formal learning, work experience, shadowing, research, self-directed learning, supervision and experiential learning when evidencing the stated requirements. Have a look at some of the resources to help you evidence how social workers learn in the workplace.

• Record of achievement form template
• guidance for NQSW on consolidating and continuing to develop social work knowledge, skills and values
• guidance on how to add MyLearning journals or OpenBadge portfolios to the Record of Achievement form
• examples of completed Record of Achievement declaration form

Guidance and templates for NQSWs registered from 3 June 2024   

CPL will be framed using core learning elements common to all social workers. NQSW will complete the mandatory learning activity in the core learning elements document within 12 or 18 months of registration regardless of setting and share evidence of activity with their supervisor on a regular basis. They will complete relevant sections of the NQSW CPL review template alongside supervisor (where possible) including the self assessment at the initial, mid-year and end of year stage. The NQSW will arrange for the supervisor and employer to sign the Validation and endorsement form at the end of the 12 or 18 months. The NQSW is responsible for submitting the forms to the SSSC within following two months.

• Core learning elements for social workers newly qualified social worker (NQSW) descriptors and mandatory learning activity
• NQSW continuous professional learning (CPL) review template
• NQSW Supported Year overview and guidance 2024
• Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) validation and endorsement form
• Guidance on sharing MyLearning and OpenBadge links to NQSW CPL review template
• Extension request form