Continuous professional development

For practising social workers to find out what is expected as part of CPD.

As a child and family social work practitioner, you need to do continuous professional development (CPD).

CPD is the process of improving your professional skills and knowledge through ongoing learning.

It can be any activity that could improve your practice in providing the best possible support to children and families. For example, completing the Pathways social work leadership modules is considered CPD.

Social Work England has more information on the different types of CPD you can do.

CPD requirements

Every year you must:

  • renew your registration with Social Work England
  • record at least two pieces of CPD in your Social Work England online account by midnight on 30 November

One of your CPD activities should include a peer reflection. This means you’ve discussed this activity with a peer, your manager or another social work professional.

Find out more about Social Work England’s CPD requirements on their website.

Further resources

British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has a range of training and CPD programmes.

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These resources have been developed by Department for Education.
Published: 18 September 2023
Last updated: 21 November 2025
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