Social work is a regulated profession in the UK. To practise as a social worker, you must be registered with the appropriate regulatory body.
The social work degree in Scotland is a generic qualification with undergraduate and postgraduate routes which meet the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE). There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the four countries of the UK to allow movement of social workers between countries. This applies to social work degree holders from all generic social work programmes.
The Memorandum of Understanding does not apply to specialist social work programmes gain in England such as Frontline or Step Up, as they were assessed as not fully meeting the SiSWE.
These specialist programmes were developed to prepare social work graduates to work within specialist areas of social work practice. These postgraduate diplomas in social work are ‘entitling’ qualification to permit entry to the Register for social workers, with a condition that registrant completes a compensatory measure relate to the wider roles and responsibilities of social work to meet the SiSWE. This should be completed within 6 months.
Frontline and Step Up qualifications
We will accept a Frontline or Step Up qualifications in social work as an ‘entitling’ qualification to allow entry to the Register for social workers, with a condition that registrants complete a compensatory measure to meet the SiSWE in relation to working with adults within six months from their date of registration. Our Council has endorsed this decision.
The compensatory measure consists of two academic pieces of work:
- a reflective analysis of learning, knowledge and understanding, skills and ethical commitment in adult care practice in relation to the six key roles
- a case study related to adult care.
We would suggest that any Frontline, Step Up or other specialist qualification holders familiarise themselves with the SISWE when looking to work in Scotland.
For more information about compensatory measures process, you can read our guidance.
Background
Frontline is a charitable organisation which delivers a postgraduate Diploma in Social Work. This is a 2-year programme that prepares students to work in children’s services. On completion of the diploma, students can progress to complete the Masters in Social Work component in the second year.
Step Up is a 14-month long programme for trainee children and families social workers. Trainees work in a local authority gaining direct experience and academic learning. They will finish with a postgraduate diploma in social work. By completing an additional dissertation module to achieve a Masters degree in social work.
Think Ahead is a paid two-year fast-track scheme, offering a direct route into work as mental health social worker in England.
The Frontline, Step Up and Think Ahead qualifications are acceptable for registration by the Social Work England.
Under section 8(2)(c) of the Professional Qualifications Act 2022 the SSSC publishes entitling social work qualifications that have been accepted for registration. You can find out more about these entitling social work qualifications by accessing the links below.