Publication of the SWRB’s Briefing for the Incoming Minister

The SWRB’s 2023 Briefing for the Incoming Minister (BIM) is available in our publications list, and for download below:

SWRB Briefing for incoming Minister November 2023

Briefings to Incoming Ministers (BIMs) are briefings received by incoming Ministers following the formation of a new Government, or when there are changes to ministerial portfolios. This BIM was prepared for Hon Louise Upston when she became the Minister for Social Development and Employment after the 2023 general election.

In the BIM, we provide the Minister with an overview of the SWRB as an organisation, our governance structure and current work programme. We advise the Minister about our role, responsibilities and key areas of focus. The BIM illustrates the continuing journey of the SWRB as a modern regulator, and we describe our regulatory work which is funded through fees and the disciplinary levy.

There is other work underway at the SWRB that sits alongside our regulatory activity. This includes advice and data around workforce, which we provide to the Minister and agencies.

The BIM highlights strategic information and current projects, including:

  • the unique position of social work as a regulated profession within a largely unregulated social services sector
  • the SWRB is the lead agency for social worker workforce planning and can help connect the system
  • work we have underway to provide advice Ministers targeted advice on the ‘Social work-like’ workforce as part of the social worker pay equity roll out
  • the Building Social Worker Capability project which will create resources to promote high standards of professional standards, information about being a regulated profession and develop a professional development training framework
  • a review of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 (the Act) which must be undertaken by 2025
  • there may be alternative options available for non-degree pathways.

The BIM also refers to the Section 13 Experience Registration Pathway which was due to come to an end in February 2024. The Social Workers Registration Legislation Amendment Act 2024 has since come into force, which means this registration pathway is available for another two years. For more information, see Extending the experience pathway for registration - update.