Social
workers in the UK are being registered for the first time in a drive for higher
standards of care and increased protection of the public.
A
register of the 1.2 million strong social care workforce is being launched
today, which should make it easier for employers to ensure only suitable people
are being used.
The
move is partly designed to help HR departments in the sector monitor training
and standards of behaviour for staff working with vulnerable people.
All
staff on the register will sign up to a code of practice which, if breeched,
could lead to their removal, and eligibility to work in the sector.
All
social care workers in the public, private and voluntary sector must join the
register, which costs £30.
The
General Social Care Council will start the process via the major employers and
expect to process around 5,000 applications a month for the next two years.
