Guidance: Revised Standards of proficiency for social workers in England published

The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) have published their revised Standards of proficiency (SOPs) for social workers in England.

The standards set out what social workers in England should know, understand and be able to do when they complete their social work training in order to register with the HCPC. They also set out clear expectations of a social workers’ knowledge and ability whilst practicing.

The HCPC first published these standards in August 2012 and following a public consultation a number of changes and additions were made.

New standards state that social workers in England must:

• Be able to identify and apply strategies to build professional resilience.
• Understand the principles of information governance and be aware of the safe and effective use of health and social care information.
• Understand the concept of leadership and its application to practice.

To view the new revised Standards, visit: http://www.hcpc-uk.org/publications/standards/index.asp?id=569