Let the Learning Begin

Tens of thousands of social workers have applied to register
before the 1 December cut-off. Although they may have to wait a few
weeks for their registration to come through, there is plenty that
social workers can do to progress their personal development in the
meantime. Planning your 15 days or 90 hours of post-registration
training and learning will give you a head start.

When your registration certificate comes through, you will
receive a form to help you detail the training you’ve undertaken.
There’s a wide range of activities you can do to meet the learning
requirement. This may include reading, attending training courses
or seminars, teaching or studying for a qualification.

The important point is that all learning should be relevant to
you, your needs and your role. Plan the learning outcomes you hope
to achieve, perhaps in conjunction with your line manager or
supervisor.

The majority of delegates at the recent GSCC annual conference
felt that the requirements for ongoing training were reasonable and
could be extended. However, delegates were looking for more
detailed guidance on the breadth of learning addressed through
post-registration training and learning and on how learning is
recorded.

As social workers join the register in the coming months and
over the next three years of their first registration period, we
will continue to listen to views on the requirements for
re-registration.

Social workers already undertake a great deal of the learning
required. But the earlier you get started, the better skilled you
will be and the more you’ll be able to give back to the social work
profession.

Mike Wardle is deputy chief executive of the General
Social Care Council.

More from Community Care

Comments are closed.