The Social Workers Registration Act (2003) enables the SWRB to set standards for social work education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
All social work tertiary education programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand must meet the SWRB Education Standards (previously the SWRB Programme Recognition Standards) to deliver, and continue to deliver, prescribed social work qualifications.
The Board uses Education Standards to ensure education providers provide a social work degree that:
- delivers on the purpose of the Social Workers Registration Act (2003)
- reflects the content of the SWRB’s General Scope of Social Work Practice
- enables graduates to meet professional standards for entry into the social work profession such as Fitness to Practice requirements, the Code of Conduct and the Ten Core Competencies.
The Standards will be reviewed after their first year of implementation (2026) to ensure they are fit for purpose. After this initial review, they will be reviewed approximately every four years.
On this page:
He Arapaki underpinned our approach for the review
The SWRB committed to a process which is underpinned by He Arapaki, the SWRB Māori Development Strategy and Action Plan. He Arapaki is informed by the SWRB’s core values of Matatika, Manaaki, Mahitahi and Māia.
Sector engagement and consultation for the draft Education Standards was undertaken within a Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework and representing the SWRB value of mahitahi | the principle of partnership.
Reviewing the Education Standards: 2021–2025
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.
The new Education Standards are effective from 1 January 2026
The final versions of the Education Standards and the accompanying Prescription and Monitoring Framework were approved by the Board in May 2025, following incorporation of minor changes to introduce greater clarity. The earlier Programme Recognition Standards (PRS) applied until the end of 2025. The new Education Standards come into effect on 1 January 2026.
The SWRB has now finalised its proposed monitoring framework, prescription process and education fee structure, collectively known as the Prescription and Monitoring Framework. The Prescription and Monitoring Framework has been approved by the SWRB Board.
The Education Standards were released to the sector for review and future planning. Additional engagement will take place throughout 2026 to ensure the Prescription and Monitoring Framework is fit for purpose.
We would like to acknowledge and thank all the people who have contributed their time and energy to this mahi.
Education Standards review documents
Pou and narrative for the SWRB Education Standards
Prescription and Monitoring Framework
Education glossary and definitions
Q&A sessions on the Education Standards
It is likely that there will be queries regarding details of the Education Standards and the Prescription and Monitoring Framework, so the SWRB will be available for queries and comments.
If you have any feedback or additional queries, please contact us at education@swrb.govt.nz and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
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 approved the fees required for the SWRB’s education functions in August 2025. The SWRB consulted on the proposed education fees 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.
Page updated: 15.12.25
