Members of the public and service users need to know that someone who calls themselves a social worker is properly qualified and registered.
The protection of title is a new legal restriction that came in to force on 1 April 2005 in England, all social workers should have applied for registration by this time. They register with the social care workforce regulator in England, the General Social Care Council (GSCC)
What does the law say?
It is an offence for someone to use the title 'social worker' to deceive someone if they are not registered.
Why is protection of title important?
It is important for the protection of service users, because it makes it illegal for someone to pose as a social worker. Without this law, people cannot be sure that their 'social worker' is properly trained.
The Social Care Register means that everyone who works in social care in England will join the register and must abide by the General Social Care Council's Code of Practice for Social Care Workers.
As part of the registration process a person's qualifications, health and character are checked and their identity is verified.
Registered social care workers are required to complete post-registration training and learning activities before renewing their registration every three years.
For more information about the register, how to join or to check the register please follow the link on this page to the General Social Care Council's website.