Social Work Registrants Group Takeaways

Meeting Takeaways 10 September 2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our September Social Work Registrants Group meeting. It was encouraging to see representation from across statutory, voluntary, independent and education sectors, alongside service user representatives, reflecting the breadth of the social work profession across Northern Ireland. The discussion focused on significant developments affecting the workforce, emerging policy initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen professional leadership and engagement.

What we heard…

Together for Families Programme

Members discussed the recent launch of the Together for Families programme and welcomed the significant investment being made in early intervention and family support services. Participants recognised the opportunities this presents for social work leadership, partnership working and enhanced family support provision.

Alongside this optimism, members highlighted a number of challenges that will need careful consideration during implementation, including workforce availability, recruitment pressures, the temporary nature of some posts and the ability of smaller voluntary organisations to engage fully in commissioning processes. There was strong recognition of the value that specialist organisations bring through innovation, expertise and community-based support.

Children and Families Charter

The group welcomed the launch of the Children and Families Charter, which was developed through co-production with children, young people, parents and carers and emerged from recommendations within the Ray Jones Review. Members recognised the Charter’s potential to strengthen participation, improve engagement and promote consistent standards across services.

Organisations were encouraged to make use of the supporting resources available and consider how the Charter can be embedded within practice and service delivery. Our Pact | Department of Health.

Right Care Right Person

A significant discussion focused on the forthcoming implementation of the PSNI-led initiative Right Care Right Person (RCRP). Members understood the intention of ensuring that people receive support from the most appropriate service rather than relying on police intervention where this is not required. However, concerns were raised regarding the practical implications for social work and health services, particularly in relation to welfare checks, adult safeguarding, mental health crises and out-of-hours responses. Members reflected on learning from other jurisdictions and highlighted the importance of ensuring that appropriate support structures are in place to minimise unintended consequences for vulnerable individuals.

Manipulation of Professionals Training

Members welcomed the update on the new Manipulation of Professionals workshops being delivered by PBNI. Developed following recommendations from domestic homicide reviews, the training focuses on professional curiosity, recognising coercive and controlling behaviours and understanding how professionals may be manipulated.

The strong demand for training demonstrated the relevance of the topic across the sector. Members supported exploring opportunities for a future NISCC lunchtime seminar to enable wider engagement with key learning from the programme.

Social Care Council Updates

Registrants Group Webpage

Members were introduced to the newly launched Registrants Group webpage, which brings together information about the group, resources, updates and opportunities for engagement. There was agreement that the page should remain dynamic and current, with members encouraged to contribute useful resources, events and examples of practice.

Social Work Leadership Framework

Members were encouraged to complete the Social Work Leadership Framework survey. This follows on from a baseline survey that was carried out in 2024 and will enable us to assess awareness and implementation of the framework and inform future leadership development activity across the profession.

Registration Fee Consultation

The group received advance notice of the upcoming registration fee consultation. Members discussed the importance of registrants engaging with consultation activities and sharing their views on the potential impact of proposed fee increases.  Responses can be made via an on-line survey or by attendance at a number of facilitation events that will be offered. Particular attention was given to affordability concerns and the impact on newly qualified social workers and social care practitioners. A suggestion was also made that newly qualified social workers could continue to benefit from a reduced registration fee during their first year post-qualification.

Spotlight Presentation: Children’s Court Guardians Northern Ireland

The group heard from Children’s Court Guardians Northern Ireland (CCGNI) about its role representing children involved in public law and adoption proceedings. The presentation highlighted the organisation’s commitment to ensuring children’s wishes, feelings and best interests are represented within family court processes.

Members heard about current challenges including increasing demand, workforce pressures and recruitment difficulties. The presentation also showcased a range of service improvements, including strengthened professional standards, enhanced supervision arrangements, workforce planning initiatives and career development pathways.

A particular highlight was CCGNI’s commitment to youth participation and co-production. The development of a Youth Board and the active involvement of children and young people in service design, recruitment and policy development provided a strong example of meaningful participation in practice.

What we’re going to do…

• Continue to monitor and receive updates on the implementation of Together for Families. Promote the Children and Families Charter and supporting resources across organisations.
• Explore a future Social Care Council lunchtime seminar on Manipulation of Professionals and Professional Curiosity.
• Encourage participation in both the Social Work Leadership Framework survey and the registration fee consultation.
• Continue to monitor and discuss the impact of Right Care Right Person as implementation progresses.
• Develop and maintain the Registrants Group webpage as a useful and up-to-date resource for members.

Looking ahead