The Social Work England registration year runs 1 December to 30 November, with the renewal window 1 September to 30 November (apply via the online account). Fees are on a live multi-year escalator: for the year beginning 1 December 2025, initial registration and renewal are £120 (up from £90 — the first rise since fee levels were set in 2015), restoration £180 (from £135), and international scrutiny £670, non-refundable (from £495). Fees then rise ~1.85% per year to 2028–29 (renewal £122 for 2026–27; by 2028–29 approximately £127 / £190 / £708). The 33% jump went ahead despite 96% consultation opposition. CPD is a renewal hard-gate: record a minimum of 2 pieces of CPD in the online account each registration year, at least 1 with a peer reflection, by midnight 30 November — or you cannot renew. Those who first join during the renewal window (1 September–30 November) are exempt for that cycle, and SWE may review a sample of CPD records after renewal.
At a glance
Sources & verification
- The SWE registration year runs 1 December–30 November and the renewal window is 1 September–30 November, applied for via the online account, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- From 1 December 2025 SWE fees are £120 initial/renewal (up from £90), £180 restoration and £670 non-refundable international scrutiny, rising ~1.85% per year to 2028–29 (renewal £122 for 2026–27), source, Last verified 2026-09-11 🔶
- Renewal is hard-gated on CPD: a minimum of 2 pieces recorded each registration year, at least 1 with a peer reflection, by midnight 30 November; first-time joiners during the renewal window are exempt for that cycle, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- Paper renewal form processing time: At least 10 working days; SWE recommends sending by 31 October, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶 source re-checked
- Renewal outcome notification and deadline for extra information: Outcome emailed from 1 Dec; additional documents requested must be received within 14 calendar days, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶 source re-checked
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.