English language requirements for qualified social workers consultation

Introduction

We are consulting on the introduction of English language requirements for qualified social workers. This proposal will ensure that we align with other social work regulators, as well as other regulated professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists.

We are proposing that qualified social workers applying to register will need to evidence their competence of the English language at the time of application.

This will give us confidence as the social work, social care and children and young people workforce regulator that all qualified social workers practising in Scotland, regardless of where they qualified, can evidence their competence of the English language at the right level to practice safely and effectively.

Demonstrating competency 

There will be four ways to demonstrate English language competency. 

1. If an applicant holds a passport for a country on the Home Office citizenship list, we can consider this as evidence of knowledge of English. 

2. The applicant has successfully completed an approved language competence test within the last two years (both the British Council and International English Language Testing System recommend a two-year validity period for this test). 

3. A social work qualification can be used as evidence of knowledge of English. They must provide evidence that their social work qualification was taught in English, was awarded in the past five years and was completed in a country where English is the first language (for example, an approved Social Work course completed in Scotland). 

4. The applicant has been registered and practised as a qualified social worker in a country where English is the first language for at least one year within the last five years.