Working in the UK

Everything you need to know as an overseas Social Worker coming to work in the UK.

General Social Care Council (GSCC)

What is the GSCC?

  • The GSCC was set up in England to draw up codes of and establish a register of social care workers.
  • From April 2005, it became a legal requirement for all Social Workers to be registered with the GSCC.

Why do you need to register with the GSCC?

  • ‘Protection of Title’ means you are not able to call yourself a Social Worker or undertake such work without being on
    the register.

How do you apply?

  • You can request the necessary forms from the GSCC website below.

What do you have to do?

  • Applicants need to write a personal statement that shows how their professional social work qualification meets the
    requirements of the UK Diploma in Social Work.
  • Those applying from Australia, Canada and the US only can write a one A4 page personal statement addressing all
    required competencies.
  • You must provide evidence in support of your application.

How much will it cost?

  • GSCC registrations costs £155, payable by bank cheque to the GSCC.
  • Synergy contribute towards the cost of this procedure on a reimbursement basis when you begin your contract.

How long will it take to register?

  • The GSCC advise once they receive your application it will take 16 weeks to process.
  • Estimated processing times are updated weekly on the GSCC website.

How long is the registration valid for?

  • Registration is for 3 years after which time you can renew your registration.
  • More information can be obtained on this from the GSCC website: www.gscc.org.uk.

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