Why Social Workers Should Renew Their SWE Registration Early

We’re officially on the countdown to the end of 2025:

• 59 days until Christmas
• 65 days until we welcome 2026
• But just over 30 days until the Social Work England (SWE) renewal deadline

For every registered social worker in England, keeping your SWE registration active isn’t just a tick-box exercise it’s a legal requirement to practise. Each year, between 1 September and 30 November, social workers must renew their registration to continue working into the next registration year.

Like any other deadline, it might seem far away… but leaving it too late can add unnecessary stress to what’s already one of the busiest times of year.

Here’s why renewing early matters  and how to make the process smooth and stress-free.

The Renewal Window

The renewal period opened on 1 September and closes at 11:59 pm on 30 November.

To complete your renewal, you’ll need to:

1. Submit your renewal application via your SWE online account.
2. Pay your annual registration fee (£120 for the 2025–26 registration year).
3. Upload your CPD submission that meets current requirements. (CPD guidance)

Miss any of these steps or submit after the deadline, and you risk being removed from the register, meaning you can’t legally practise as a social worker until your registration is restored.

The Cost of Missing the Deadline

If you don’t complete your renewal by 30 November, you’ll be removed from the register and will need to apply for restoration to return.

• Renewal fee: £120
• Restoration fee: £180

That’s a 50% increase, and that’s before you factor in the disruption to your work, caseload, and professional standing.

Renewing early means avoiding unnecessary costs, downtime, and paperwork headaches.

Why Renewing Early Just Makes Sense

• Avoid technical issues — thousands of social workers renew in the final week, so don’t risk a last-minute website glitch.
• Reduce stress — no need to panic while juggling caseloads, supervision, or holiday leave.
• Stay compliant — no lapse means no interruption to your ability to practise or your assignments.
• Reflect on your CPD — doing it early means you can focus on quality, not speed.

Suppose something goes wrong close to the deadline (e.g., incomplete CPD, payment error, system delay). In that case, there’s no buffer to fix it, and the result could be costly both financially and professionally.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal

• Log in early – check your SWE account details (contact info, employer, etc.) are up to date.
• Set your own deadline – aim to complete by mid-November to give yourself breathing room.
• Pay promptly – make sure your direct debit or card details are valid and save your payment receipt.
• Plan for hiccups – if you know you’re waiting on CPD reflections or facing IT/finance delays, tackle them early.

In Summary

Renewing your SWE registration early protects your professional status, avoids unnecessary costs, and keeps your focus where it truly matters, making a difference in people’s lives.

Don’t wait until 30 November. Log in, upload your CPD, pay your fee, and click renew today. Your future self and your peace of mind will thank you on 1 December.

If anyone needs any help, gets stuck with their registration, or needs support with the process, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.