Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking in response to the recommendations of the Dame Annie Hudson review of social work professional regulation to reduce delays in the handling of fitness-to-practise and cause-for-concern cases by Social Work England; and what target timeframe has been set for the resolution of such cases.

The Independent Review of Social Work Professional Regulation, led by Dame Annie Hudson, identified the need for sustained improvement in Social Work England’s fitness to practise function. The government accepted the review’s recommendations and has made improving timeliness and effectiveness a key priority.

Social Work England is expected to produce a robust, externally supported, end-to-end Fitness to Practise Strategic Improvement Plan, with clear milestones and performance measures to drive sustained improvement and address the issues identified by the review.

The department has strengthened its oversight of Social Work England’s performance and is closely monitoring progress. Should sufficient and sustained improvement not be demonstrated, the government will consider what further action may be appropriate.