HCPC Registration for Social Workers: What You Need to Know

What is HCPC?

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the statutory regulator for social workers in England. To use the protected title "social worker" and practise, you must be registered with the HCPC.

The HCPC sets standards, maintains the register, and deals with fitness to practise concerns.

Registration Requirements

Initial Registration

To become registered, you must:

• Hold an approved social work qualification
• Complete the application process
• Pay the registration fee
• Make the required declarations about your health and character

Registration Renewal

Registration is renewed every two years. To renew, you must:

• Pay the renewal fee
• Confirm you continue to meet the standards of proficiency
• Confirm you continue to meet the standards of conduct, performance, and ethics
• Maintain CPD records (in case of audit)

Standards of Proficiency

These set out what social workers should know, understand, and be able to do when they register. You must continue to meet these throughout your career.

Key areas include:

• Professional autonomy and accountability
• Communication and partnership
• Knowledge and understanding
• Assessment and intervention
• Using evidence and knowledge

Standards of Conduct, Performance, and Ethics

These standards apply to all HCPC-registered professionals:

• Promote and protect the interests of service users
• Communicate appropriately and effectively
• Work within the limits of your knowledge and skills
• Delegate appropriately
• Respect confidentiality
• Manage risk
• Report concerns about safety
• Be open when things go wrong
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Keep records of your work

CPD Requirements

The HCPC doesn't specify a minimum number of CPD hours. Instead, you must:

• Maintain a continuous, up-to-date record of CPD activities
• Be able to demonstrate that your CPD improves the quality of your practice
• Submit a CPD profile if selected for audit

Quality matters more than quantity—focus on meaningful learning that improves your practice.

Fitness to Practise

What is Fitness to Practise?

Fitness to practise means having the skills, knowledge, character, and health to do your job safely and effectively. Concerns can arise from:

• Professional misconduct
• Lack of competence
• Physical or mental health issues affecting practice
• Criminal convictions or cautions
• Determinations by other bodies

Who Can Raise Concerns?

Anyone can raise a fitness to practise concern—employers, colleagues, service users, or members of the public.

The Process

• Concern received and investigated
• Case examined to determine if there's a case to answer
• If yes, hearing or alternative resolution
• Possible outcomes include no action, conditions, suspension, or striking off

Protecting Yourself

• Practise within professional standards
• Maintain good records
• Seek supervision and support
• Declare issues proactively when required
• Get legal or union support if you face an investigation

Changes to Registration

Updating Your Details

You must keep your registration details up to date, including:

• Name changes
• Address changes
• Email address

Lapsed Registration

If your registration lapses, you cannot practise as a social worker. To return to the register, you may need to apply for restoration, which may include additional requirements.

Support and Resources

The HCPC website provides:

• Standards documents
• Guidance on registration
• CPD resources
• Information about fitness to practise

Conclusion

HCPC registration is essential for practising as a social worker in England. Understand your obligations, maintain your CPD, practise according to the standards, and keep your registration up to date. Your registration protects the public and confirms your professional status.