Consultation closed 8 September 2025.
Introduction
We are consulting on pre and post qualifying standards for social work education. The standards will form part of the updated and expanded Framework for Social Work Education and will be the foundation for professional pathways in social work. We plan to publish the standards in 2026.
We aim to create a clear set of standards that reflect social work practice and are structured in a way that brings them to life for every registered social worker.
The consultation aims to update the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE). Feedback from the consultation will inform a short life working group developing post qualifying standards based on the core learning elements and Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) descriptors. The post qualifying standards will form the foundation for professional pathways.
The consultation is in two parts.
Part 1 – Reviewing the Standards in Social Work Education
Initial feedback suggests the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE) remain relevant but could be updated to make sure it remains relevant to current social work education and practice. We want to make sure the language is consistent, inclusive and trauma informed.
Part 2 – Developing post qualifying standards for social work
Feedback from our 2023 CPL consultation shows that the eight core learning elements are highly relevant to social work practice.
Our short life working group is building on earlier work to develop standards for social workers from the core learning elements. We are consulting while they are still in development to make sure we accurately represent the social work profession.
Your feedback can help to shape the final content and format.
This consultation is part of a shared ambition with the Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser (OCSWA) to create a foundation for social workers education and ongoing learning and professional development in Scotland. Please click on the links to hear more from us on the pre and post qualifying standards and from OCSWA on the career resource for social workers.