Social Work England launches procurement of legal advisers for ‘Fitness to Practise’ cases

The regulator of social workers said the successful providers would deliver the following as part of the service:

1. conduct further investigation and prepare cases for Fitness to Practise hearings or meetings;
2. undertake pre-hearing case management procedures in accordance with agreed performance targets and in collaboration with other parties to the hearing; and
3. ensure the presentation of cases before adjudicators at hearings (those hearings are predominantly carried out remotely using video conferencing software but can, on occasion, be in-person at SWE’s offices in Sheffield).

Social Work England said: “Over a period of 3 - 5 years, the Authority aims to work with the suppliers to eliminate the current backlog of circa 400 cases awaiting a final hearing.

“By the end of this period, the intention is to have worked successfully in partnership with the suppliers to both eliminate the backlog and to be managing a 'steady state' of circa 150 cases being processed per annum.”

The contract is expected to run from 22 July 2026 to 21 July 2029, with a possible extension to 21 July 2031. Up to two extensions are available for 12 months each. The maximum extension period is for 24 months if both extensions are taken.

The award criteria are quality (weighting: 70%), price (25%) and interview (5%).