Capabilities Statements and Continuous Professional Development for Social Work with Older People and people with Learning Disabilities

The Department has oversight of the social care system in England, including ensuring a sufficient, capable and skilled social work workforce. Since 2013, the Department has provided support and leadership through the office of the Chief Social Worker for Adults to develop and embed best social work practice.

The products for the two client groups are at different stages. Previous work was contracted by the Department to develop the CS and CPD for social work with older people.

This new project will enhance these resources to further embed good practice. Work on products for social work with people with learning disabilities is less advanced and the requirement is to work with the sector to co-produce new resources.

The work is essential to embedding the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 2007, Human Rights Act and other relevant legislation and delivering the government's ambition for to raise the quality and status of the social work profession. This specification is to further develop and embed capability statements (CS) for social workers in adult services, who work with older people and people with learning disabilities, the two biggest groups for adult social workers.

The CS sets out the knowledge, skills and values that social workers need to work well with these people and their carers. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) pathways will also be developed, setting out how frontline social workers can learn and develop, and be supported to acquire the capabilities set out in the CS. The CS will also be adopted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and training providers who educate and train new and qualified social workers.