How long does Registration take?

It can take up to 60 days to process your application for registration and to add your name to the Register. This is only a guideline and your application may be processed more quickly than this.

The main cause of delays in the processing of applications are:

• Questions missed out on the application form
  You can avoid this by using the application form on this web site as this does not allow you to continue to the next page until you have completed the one that you are on.
  
  
• The wrong person endorses the application form
  Many organisations have nominated people to countersign their employee’s applications. If your organisation has done this, then it is one of these people that must endorse your application. Contact your HR department if you are unsure who should endorse your application.
  
  
• Documents with the application are not correctly verified
  The originals documents must be seen and the photocopies signed as a ‘true copy’ by your line manager. Your line manager should sign and date the copies and print their name and job title. Verification does not have to be by the same person who endorsed your application, though it may be.
  
  
• No fee payment or Direct Debit form
  If no payment is received with your application, we will try to contact you for payment. If we are unable to contact you, we will return your application form to you.
  
  
• If you need to be registered with a ‘condition’ because you do not yet have all the qualifications needed for your role
  In this case, before we can register you we need to send a legal document called a ‘Notice of Decision’ which tells you that we have decided to register you with a condition. Following this there is a two week appeal period during which you can make representations if you disagree with our decision. Even if you do not wish to appeal, we cannot register you until this period is over.
  
  
• If you are a Newly Qualified Social Worker
  If you have only just completed your University degree, we cannot register you until we receive the official results from your University and we have removed you from the Register of Students.

If any information is missing from your application, or it has been completed by the wrong person, we will write to you at your home address. Please respond to our letters, or call us if you are having difficulty supplying the information. If you fail to respond, your application may be cancelled and you will have to apply and pay your fee again.

When we receive your application a letter will be sent to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you haven’t received this letter within two weeks of sending the application, please call the registration helpline on 0845 60 30 891