Only registered social workers can describe themselves as social workers 

From 1 July 2025, the SWRB investigates concerns about unregistered people claiming to be social workers. This ensures only qualified, registered professionals use the protected title ‘social worker’.  

What we investigate 

We investigate reports of people claiming to be social workers who are not on our register. This protects the public by ensuring only qualified professionals use this protected title. 

Responding to these concerns was previously the responsibility of Te Kāhui Kāhu, a business unit hosted by the Ministry of Social Development. 

Under the Social Workers Registration Act, only registered social workers can: 

• use the job title of ‘social worker’ 

• describe themselves in any way that suggests they are a social worker. 

When to contact us 

Before contacting us: Please first search our public register at swrb.govt.nz/search-the-register/ to check if someone is registered. 

Contact us if: you’ve searched the register and believe someone is inappropriately claiming to be a social worker while unregistered. 

How to report a concern 

Email aretheyregistered@swrb.govt.nz. 

To help us respond, please include: 

• why you believe the person is presenting or practising as a social worker (e.g. job title, advertisements, emails) 

• their contact details, or details of the organisation they work for, so we can get in touch and give them a chance to respond 

• confirmation that you have already searched our public register. 

What happens next 

• We investigate every report to ensure compliance with the law. 

• If the person is eligible to register, we provide information on how to meet the legal requirements. 

• We respond to all reports promptly and investigate thoroughly. 

Important note 

If you are concerned about someone who is a registered social worker, please read how to raise a concern or complaint with us: 

Read about how to raise a concern or complaint with the SWRB. 

Frequently asked questions 

What’s the difference between this and your complaints process?
Use aretheyregistered@swrb.govt.nz for people who aren’t registered but claim to be social workers. Use our complaints process for concerns about people who are registered social workers. 

What happens to existing investigations from Te Kāhui Kāhu?
All current cases have been transferred to the SWRB and will continue without delay. 

What if someone is eligible to register?
We provide guidance on meeting registration requirements and support people to comply with legal requirements.