SWRB 

• As the regulator, the SWRB registers social workers and is responsible for setting standards  requiring social workers to be competent, fit to practise, and accountable for their practice.  (Obviously, the sector has responsibilities to adhere to those standards, ie educators in  educating for competence, social workers when practising (fit to practise) and a shared  responsibility between social workers and employers to be accountable for that practice.) 
  
• We are urging anyone who is not yet registered (now & in the mandatory environment) to apply.  It’s really important that if you or someone you know or work with is practising as a social worker but is not yet registered, that you/they begin the process of applying. 
  
• From the 27^th Feb 2021, if you are not registered, you will no longer be able to call yourself a social worker, and employers will not be able to hold staff out as social workers until you/they become registered. 

Ministry of Social Development

• From 27 February 2021, the Ministry of Social Development is responsible for ensuring that anyone who should be registered as a social worker has obtained registration or has applied to the SWRB for it.
  
• The Ministry encourages every social worker to be registered, and it will work with the SWRB to ensure this happens.   

• The Ministry is developing a risk assessment approach about how and when it will act where it learns of social workers who knowingly continue in their role without being registered. 
  

Other information 

• What the SWRB can tell you is that if you have submitted your application to become registered, it shows good intent. If you have concerns, please discuss the matter with your  employer. 
• The SWRB has been encouraging all social workers to apply for registration over the last couple of years by sending out information about the implementation of mandatory  registration.  This has come through newsletters, emails, messages via Facebook,  roadshows, and, over the last year, weekly Zoom Q&A sessions open to everyone in the  sector.  There have also been information packs sent to employers around the country (1,000 sites) in Feb & Oct 2020 with reminders social workers need to become registered. 

How do I become registered?

It’s an online process through the online portal MySWRB on the SWRB website. Before you apply to become a registered social worker, you must first have one of the following:

1. a recognised New Zealand social work qualification OR
2. extensive practical social work experience in New Zealand if you don’t have an SWRB-recognised NZ social work qualification. You may be eligible to apply to register through the Experience Pathway: S13 OR
3. an Australian social work qualification, accredited by the AASW. OR
4. An overseas social work qualification equivalent to a NZ qualification

Check our eligibility tool before you begin the application process. You can find it on the home page of the SWRB website – swrb.govt.nz. You can then apply to register by logging into MySWRB and creating an account, then following the prompts.

How long does it take?

There is a small team and currently it takes some time to process an application as we need to get back police vetting results and the application then goes to the SWRB Board for approval. There are a couple of things that can influence the length of time it takes:

• Uploading the correct documents to MySWRB will mean your application progresses

• The application fee (non-refundable) must be paid for your application to progress.

Why do I need to be registered and hold a Practising Certificate?

Becoming registered means you have met all the criteria to be recognised as a social worker, i.e. you have been assessed as being competent, fit to practise, and will be held accountable for the way you will practise. Once registered, you will remain on the register unless you ask to be taken off or the SWRB Board takes action to de-register you.

The Practising Certificate is the document that shows you are legally able to practise as a social worker in New Zealand for that year. 

Each year, when you renew your Practising Certificate online, you are declaring that you are still competent, fit to practise, and you have informed the SWRB of any serious health issues or convictions.  You are also declaring that you are being held accountable for the way you practise, i.e. you have undertaken Continuing Professional Development, including supervision.  The Practising Certificate is a demonstration of your commitment to being a professional. 

Can I fast track my application?

Applications are processed in the order they are submitted, so the sooner you send us all the information required and pay the fee, the sooner it can be processed.

We don’t fast track applications as we treat everyone in a fair and consistent way.

Once an application is completed, it goes forward to the next available SWRB Board meeting where it is considered for approval.

Why can’t you process faster?

We are committed to processing applications as quickly as we can, however, we also need to make sure we follow a fair, consistent, and robust process.

Ultimately, the SWRB’s primary role is to protect the safety of members of the public, which means that when we are assessing an application for registration, we take the time required to ensure we have all the information we need to confirm that an applicant is competent and fit for registration.

My employer has already run a police check on me. Can I use this for my application?

Unfortunately, we can’t use police vetting results that have been run by someone else.

It’s a requirement of the Social Work Registration Act (2003) that we run this check ourselves and it’s also a NZ Police requirement that their police vetting results cannot be shared.

Once I am registered, how long will my registration be ‘valid’ for until I need to re-apply?

Your registration does not expire but you are required to renew your Practising Certificate each year.

How much does registration cost?

There is one fee for registration but depending on your pathway, there may be additional fees. See the fees page.

Once I am registered, what will I then need to do?

• renew your Practising Certificate every year
• pay the Disciplinary Levy,
• undertake supervision and
• maintain a continuous, up to date and accurate record of your Continuing Professional Development activities in a CPD log

Do I need to pay the full amount for a Practising Certificate if I apply part-way through the year, ie Feb when it expires in July?

No, as of 2022 we have introduced a Part-year practising certificate fee. This applies to any social worker (newly registered or returning to practise) getting their practising certificate after 30 September. You can learn more about this on our fees page.

The full Disciplinary levy cost remains unchanged (at $135) and will be added to the final total.

Can I start practising while the registration process is taking place?

From February 27^th, 2021, you will need to be registered before you can practise.

Can I be employed as a social worker while the registration process is taking place? Will I be able to use the title ‘social worker’ while the registration process is taking place?

From the 27th February 2021, the title ‘social worker’ becomes protected and you will only be able to call yourself a social worker if you are registered by the SWRB.

I haven’t completed 2,000 hours of practice yet. What do I do?

Apply for registration. You will then get provisional registration until you have completed those hours.

I’m now registered but have been told it is provisional, and that I need to do 2,000 hours of supervised social work practice in NZ. How long do I have to complete my 2,000 hours to become fully registered?

You have up to 8 years to complete the required 2,000 hours of supervised social work practice in New Zealand.

What happens if I don’t complete my 2,000 hours during this time?

If you do not meet the required 2,000 hours within the given time, you may risk your registration being cancelled.

What happens if my registration isn’t approved? What do I do then?

If your registration is declined, you have the right to appeal to the District Court within 20 days of being notified of the SWRB’s Board decision.

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I’ve got lots of social work experience but not an SWRB-recognised social work qualification. Can I still apply to be registered?

If you have extensive social work experience in New Zealand but no SWRB-recognised social work qualification, you might be eligible to apply through the Experience Pathway: S13.

We want you to know we value your experience, your networks, and your contribution to the lives of those you work with.

If a number of you in an organisation want to apply through the Experience Pathway: S13, we can set up conference calls or a Zoom session with a member of our staff who can provide help.

I have a NZ social services qualification that is not on the approved list of SWRB-recognised social work qualifications and I want to register. What are my options?

A social services diploma/qualification is not the same as a four-year social work qualification.

All social work qualifications in New Zealand are recognised by the SWRB but not the social services diploma.

If you have a social service diploma and a lot of social work experience in New Zealand, your option would be to look at the Experience pathway: S13 application process. 

If you have a criminal conviction/s, you can still apply to become registered.

All applications which include convictions are considered on a case by case basis, and a criminal conviction will not necessarily stop you from becoming registered. 

The SWRB will take into consideration the following around convictions;

• length of time since it/they happened
• what you have done since
• the severity
• whether it/they carried a sentence of three months or more

When writing your reflective declaration, the SWRB will want to understand your journey and growth from where you were at the time of the conviction(s) to where you are now.  If you have been on courses or received support, it is useful to have some evidence around this, such as a certificate of completion or a letter of support.

You will also need to include how the conviction(s) has impacted on your decision to become a registered social worker and how it has enhanced/hindered your practice.

Depending on the nature of the conviction(s), the registration team may ask you for additional information.  This is usually in regards to a safety plan (how you can practise safely), rehabilitation information, confirmation of supervision, and additional references. 

Your application then goes to the SWRB Board for a decision on registration.

We know the value of the social work profession and the work that they do – and as employers of social workers you will recognise this also. In a mandatory registration environment you can show your support by ensuring your social workers are registered.

Who will need to be registered?

Your staff will need to register if they:

• call themselves a social worker
• are known as a social worker or
• are held out as a social worker

From 27^th February 2021, the title “social worker” will become protected. That means only social workers who are registered by the SWRB can use the title “social worker”.

What will happen if they are not registered by 27^th Feb, 2021?

They will no longer be able to call themselves a social worker or practise as a social worker and employers will not be able to hold staff out as social workers until they are registered.

Why do my social workers need to be registered?

Since 27 February 2021, it is mandatory for all social workers to be registered, following changes to legislation.

We see mandatory registration as being vital and a step forward for the social work profession.

It reassures the public that social workers work within a code of conduct and are part of a fully professional workforce. That means tamariki, whānau, communities, and employers can be confident in the care, advice and support from social workers. It brings greater transparency and helps build trust, and enable social work to take its place alongside other regulated professions such as teaching, law, accounting, and health.

How will it benefit my organisation?

It shows your organisation supports and stands behind a fully professional workforce which ultimately shows the public that you take your obligations to public safety seriously.

It’s in all our interests that this profession is successful and robust. By supporting a registered social worker, regardless of whether the position is called social work, you know your staff are meeting professional standards, including ongoing professional development.

What steps do I need to take?

You need to make sure that your practising social workers become registered, and hold a valid Practising Certificate.

• We will help your staff through the process of registration – there’s information on our website about what they need to do. For those who don’t have a qualification they may be eligible for our Experience Pathway: S13. If you are covering the costs, we will work with you on how payment works.

• As an employer you cannot ‘hold someone out’ or present an employee as a social worker if they are not registered, in a mandatory registration environment. 

• Your staff who are registered social workers and practising social work will need to hold a valid Practising Certificate, which they must renew each year, in order to practise legally.
  • The Practising Certificate is a declaration from each social worker that they are competent and fit to practise.

• We need you to tell us about any issues that could affect the ability of your social work staff to practise safely.
• As a regulator, public safety is paramount for us.  As an employer you need to inform the SWRB if you have any concerns about any of your social workers, including issues regarding:
  • serious misconduct
  • health issues which impact their practice
  • their competence.
• More information about when you need to talk to us can be found at Employer Mandatory Reporting

What roles will need to be filled by registered social workers, and how will I know?

If the role is called social work and/or requires the person to practise social work, and/or you or your employer hold you out to be a social worker, then that role can only be filled by registered social workers.

Practising social work can include:

• working directly with individuals, whānau, hapū, and communities
• being involved with casework decisions at any level
• if you call yourself a social worker or have a job title as a social worker
• if you apply your social work values, skills, ethics and knowledge in your role
• managing and/or supervising other social workers
• teaching social work practice or theory
• developing policy that impacts upon social work practice

From 27^th Feb 2021, if you are not registered, you and/or your employer cannot claim you are a social worker.

Advice and best practice – If you are in a role that uses your social work knowledge, skills and experience but is called something else, we recommend that best practice is to be registered.

We have many social workers on the register who fill many different job titles and roles.

The SWRB recommends that all people who have a social work qualification and work in the social services sector, become registered.  Employees who have a social work qualification and were employed because of that, use those skills and knowledge in their employment.  Employers should recognise that encouraging registration shows a commitment to the profession and accountability.

I have an experienced social worker who has no social work qualification –  what can they do?

We are keen to support those social workers who have significant experience but do not have a social work qualification. If they have extensive social work experience in New Zealand they can apply to become registered under the Experience Pathway: S13. 

What about employees who do social work but their job title is not a social worker and they aren’t registered?

They will need to apply to become registered and apply for a Practising Certificate. This is the case even if they aren’t called a social worker. As long as they are doing social work, they will need to be registered and have a valid Practising Certificate, (renewed annually).

If you employ someone based on their social work qualification and the social work skills that come with the qualification are an important part of their job, we would encourage you to register those staff. You cannot present any employee as a social worker unless they are registered, once mandatory registration comes into effect.

I am a senior manager with a social work qualification. Some staff I manage are social workers and some are not. Do I need to be registered and hold a Practising Certificate?

Your position sounds like a role that includes you using your social work skills and experience. If you do not hold yourself out as a social worker, you are not legally required to become registered. If you or your employer hold you out to be a social worker, then you do have to be registered. 

Recommended best practice: We would strongly encourage those who have social work qualifications and work in the social services sector to become registered to claim your professional identity, as all New Zealanders benefit from a fully professional, fully registered, and fully accountable social work workforce.  It is an important discussion for you and your employer to have.

We strongly encourage employers to support those who hold social work-related positions to be registered and hold a Practising Certificate. They are influencing and directly affecting those practising social work.  Additionally, registration connects employees to the profession and a strong profession will ensure better social services.  Practising social work can include:

• working directly with clients, including whānau, hapū and community
• being involved with casework decisions at any level
• managing and/or supervising other social workers
• if you call yourself a social worker or have a job title as a social worker
• if you apply your social work values, skills, ethics, and knowledge in your role
• teaching social work practice or theory
• developing policy that impacts upon social work practice

I have a social work qualification but I am employed as a community support worker. This is a role that does not require a social worker, being described in the funding contact as a “non-clinical FTE”. Will I need to register while I am in this role?

If you are employed as a community support worker and you are not holding yourself out as a social worker, you don’t have to be registered. If, however, your employer presents you as a social worker or your clients would assume or believe you to be a social worker, then yes, you need to become registered.

Recommended best practice employer policy: We strongly encourage employers to support the registration of all staff who hold recognised social work qualifications.  Employees who are qualified in social work should be recognised for their skills and knowledge, and the contribution that brings to the workplace.

The work of an employee is underpinned by the skills, knowledge, and qualifications they bring to the workplace. A highly skilled employee will have a recognised social work qualification and they should be registered.  This would be a good conversation to have with your employer to be able to talk about why it’s important for you to be able to claim your professional identity.

I have a social work qualification and provide counselling in my private practice. I regard myself as a counsellor but do not have a counselling qualification. If I don’t mention social work on things like business cards, advertising etc will I need to be registered?

If your private practice is as a counsellor and you call yourself a counsellor then you do not have to be registered.

We strongly support the regulation of professions and advise that anyone practising in any profession is registered and accountable to the professional regulatory body and or association for that profession.

This information is being updated shortly.

Now that I’m newly qualified, what are my next steps?

1. If you plan to practise social work, please apply to become a registered social worker by logging into MySWRB on the SWRB website, creating an account, choosing your pathway options, and follow the prompts.
2. You will then need to apply for a Practising Certificate.

What if I don’t want to start practising immediately after graduating?

It is up to you to choose to practise or not after graduating. However, you will need to be registered before you can practise from February 27^th, 2021 as mandatory registration will be in place.

What happens if I want to go overseas for a year after studying before practising?

You do not need to hold NZ registration/Practising Certificate if practising outside of New Zealand. You can go overseas but on your return, you will need to apply to become registered and/or apply for a Practising Certificate before you begin practising.

I have a social services diploma but I’ve been told I cannot become a registered social worker – why?

A social services diploma is not the same as a four-year social work qualification. Currently, there are 18 recognised social work programmes at tertiary institutions around the country – and each of those has applied to the SWRB for their courses to be accepted.

The SWRB sets the standards for those qualifications and we hold the institutions to account for meeting them.

We think it is important students understand whether the courses they take will provide them with a recognised degree to become registered.  Find the list of recognised social work qualifications at the end of this section.

I am in a social worker position and I was studying a course at a tertiary institution that was cancelled, so I couldn’t complete it.  What are my options for registration?

You would either need to re-enrol at an institution that offers an SWRB-recognised social work qualification (see below) and complete this before applying to be registered or if you have enough practical social work experience in NZ you may be eligible for the Experience pathway: S13 process.

SWRB-recognised social work qualifications

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As a registered social worker, you are required to:

• hold a Practising Certificate which is renewed each year
• adhere to the Code of Conduct and
• undertake Continuing Professional Development.

To obtain a Practising Certificate, log into MySWRB.

• If you are logging in for the first time, instructions are on the lefthand side and please follow the prompts.
• If you have already created an account, login into MySWRB with your username and password, and click Apply for Practising Certificate.

Why you need to be registered and hold a Practising Certificate

Becoming registered means you have met all the criteria to become a social worker, i.e. you have been assessed as being competent, fit to practise, and will be held accountable for the way you practise. Once registered, you will remain on the register unless you ask to be taken off or the SWRB Board takes you off.

The Practising Certificate is the document that shows you are legally able to practise as a social worker in New Zealand that year.

Each year, when you renew your Practising Certificate online, you are demonstrating your commitment to being a professional and declaring that you:

• are competent
• fit to practise
• are being held accountable for the way you practise, i.e. you have undertaken Continuing Professional Development, including supervision
• have informed the SWRB of any serious health issues or convictions.

The SWRB is currently finalising a policy for social workers returning to practice.

We will be changing the way we measure competence over the next couple of years to line up with best practice.

The competence of social workers is vitally important to the SWRB, and we will be introducing a range of competence measures.