Social Work England has released a new report outlining its key observations from the first full cycle of reapproving qualifying social work programmes. The regulator has now completed its review of 257 courses across the country, marking an important milestone since taking on responsibility for the profession five years ago.
According to the report, the vast majority of programmes met required standards, with 99.2% receiving approval. However, more than 660 conditions were issued to over four-fifths of courses to support improvements, particularly in areas such as administrative processes, partnership engagement and course governance. The review also highlighted considerable shifts within the education landscape, including a 19.5% rise in the total number of courses since 2023. This growth is largely attributed to an expansion in apprenticeship routes, with 55 new programmes approved in the past year alone.
The regulator notes that course providers have shown resilience and innovation in response to modern pressures, from pandemic-related adjustments to rapid developments in technology. Despite this, financial strain on universities and local authorities — combined with increasing living costs for students — continues to pose significant challenges. Social work programmes also attract a diverse student body, with higher proportions of mature learners, women, and students from black, disabled and lower socio-economic backgrounds compared with other university courses.
Sarah Blackmore, Social Work England’s executive director for professional practice and external engagement, said the findings would shape future regulatory practice. She emphasised the importance of maintaining high-quality training to protect the public and support the next generation of social workers.
The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has commissioned an independent inquiry to explore the sharp rise in referrals for mental health, ADHD and autism services across England. The review, headed by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, will assess whether current diagnostic practices are appropriate and identify where services are failing to meet people’s needs. It follows longstanding concern about stretched provision and lengthy waits for treatment in many regions.
Ministers say they have already increased investment in talking therapies and school-based support, yet demand continues to outpace capacity. NHS data indicates a steep rise in reported mental health difficulties over the past 20 years, particularly among younger people and those out of work. The number of working-age adults receiving disability or incapacity benefits has also grown markedly since 2019. Streeting has previously suggested that over-diagnosis may be contributing to pressure on services, emphasising the need for a “clinical, evidence-led” approach to reform.
Professor Fonagy has pledged that the review will challenge assumptions and take seriously the perspectives of those who rely on support. Professional bodies and charities, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Mind, have welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of understanding why more people are seeking help and identifying persistent gaps in care.
Autism organisations have urged swift action, noting that although referral numbers may be stabilising, waiting times for assessments continue to rise sharply. The review’s findings are expected in summer 2026.
