CORU's statutory regulation register officially opened for social care workers yesterday (30th November).

Regulation recognises the critical role this profession plays in society and will enhance the public’s confidence in the social care work profession.

Social care workers are joining many other health and social care professions – including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and speech and language therapists – designated for statutory regulation under the 2005 Health and Social Care Professionals Act.

The Act requires all such professionals to register and meet explicit professional standards, including a requirement to undertake continuing professional development. The system allows for ‘fitness to practise’ cases to be brought against practitioners who fail to meet professional standards.

Fórsa official Chris Cully is encouraging social care members to get ready for registration.

“The role of social care workers has grown and expanded over the years, moving from a time when there were no professional qualifications, to today when there are forty-four-degree courses available. The progress of the profession has culminated in regulation which gives equity of standing with the other health professions. Depending on your status as new graduate, an international applicant, or an existing practitioner there are different routes one must take to become registered and it’s important for our members to be prepared,” she said.

Last October Fórsa welcomed over 150 members to a conference for social care workers, looking to get ready for registration. We’re also organising a series of regional information roadshows to take place during 2024. Dates, locations and further details of these roadshows will be available in the new year.