Care Council Investigation and Adjudication: Fitness to Practise Procedures
Complaints and the role of the Care Council for Wales
The Care Council for Wales is the regulatory body responsible for social workers. Since 30th April 2002, the title of 'social worker' has been protected by law in Wales. Therefore it is essential for social workers in Wales to be accepted on to the Care Council Register in order to work. There are currently almost 10,000 social workers and social care workers are registered with the Care Council. The remit of the Care Council is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. The work of the Care Council is governed by this and other associated legislation.
Most cases of alleged impairment are referred by employers and the police. However, anyone can refer an allegation to the Care Council. They will not normally take action if the information is provided anonymously, but if they feel it relates to serious and credible concerns about a registrant’s fitness to practice, they might consider whether they should take further action to protect the public.
When the Care Council can take action
As part of their duty to protect the public, the Care Council have the power to take action by either removing or restricting a social worker's registration if they fall seriously short of the high standards expected. They cover all registered social workers in Wales whether they work in public or private practices. The Care Council can consider cases where a registrant's fitness to practise has not met the standards set in the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers and may investigate the matter according to the Care Council for Wales Conduct Rules 2005.
Care Council Sanction and Disposal options
- Admonishment
- Suspend you from practicing for a fixed period of time (up to two years)
- Strike your name from the Care Council Register (which means you will not be able to practice)
- Interim suspension order
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