The initial phase of the review included significant sector engagement and was overseen by the SWRB’s Chief Advisor Social Work. Kaiwhakahaere were appointed representing tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti to co-lead the work with the SWRB review team.  An advisory rōpū was appointed for the review. The rōpū was made up of four tangata whenua and two tagata Pacific social workers. A reference rōpū was also established with its members reflecting Aotearoa’s diversity.  

The 2022–2023 review phase drew on themes emerging from wānanga, hui and direct contributions from the sector. Draft Education Standards were developed and made available to the sector in May 2023. In July 2023 a discussion document and online survey was circulated to those who had been involved in the review. 

Responses affirmed that the draft standards captured the essence of the themes from earlier engagement in that they better integrated mātauranga Māori and other knowledge into the curriculum. 

In late 2023, a final review was undertaken to ensure the Education Standards aligned with SWRB legislation and intent, and that key concepts such as public safety appeared in the standards as curriculum guidance for educators. 

As well, a comparison of the draft Educations Standards against the standards of other national and international regulatory bodies was undertaken to analyse gaps or overlaps. During this early stage, the approaches to the prescription and monitoring of social work programme delivery were also in development.

Ensuring that the standards are future-focused and flexible enough for alternative programme structures was important to meet future identified needs for the social work profession and to enable innovative approaches to qualification delivery. Further amendments were made in some areas with the goal of improving graduate competence and outcomes.

Education Fees consultation 2025

The Education fees charged annually to TEOs were reviewed based on the activities outlined in the Education Standards and the Prescription and Monitoring Framework.  

The Board agreed to consult on a proposed fees model for the SWRB’s education functions in August 2025. The consultation on this proposed education fees model ran from 3 September to 17 October 2025.  The consultation process was supported by online hui and the publication of FAQs and example scenarios on how the fees might apply.

In December 2025, the Board agreed to defer the implementation of the new education fees following sector feedback. There will be additional opportunities for the sector to provide feedback during 2026 and during the full fees consultation at the end of 2026.