All Social Workers, Social Work Students and Social Care Workers employed in Northern Ireland must be registered with the Social Care Council. Registrants can create their own account via our Online Portal to pay fees, update registration details and record Post Registration Training and Learning (PRTL).
*Guidance for Internationally Qualified Social Workers (IQSW) is detailed below.
Launched Thursday 1st October 2020 our new portal will make it easier and faster for you to register, pay your fee and keep your details up to date – all within a few clicks.
Click here to visit our new portal guidance.
New Applicants
Employers will support new applicants to create their Social Care Council Online Portal account and submit their application form. If you are new to social care you will be expected to complete your application as part of your induction in your new role. For more information on using the Portal, see below.
Internationally Qualified Social Workers (IQSW)
Internationally Qualified Social Workers applying for first time registration with the Social Care Council are unable to use the Online Portal for an application. and should continue to use the paper application form. They will be able to use the Online Portal once their registration is approved.
Guidance on Social Care Council registration, working and living in Northern Ireland is available here.
Registration Guidelines
We manage each application according to the guidelines set out in the Registration Rules. This is to confirm your suitability to work safely in social care or social work. If you need advice about registering; if you are unable to use the online service because of your disability, or if you do not have access to a computer please contact our Registration Team for support and assistance. The team can be contacted by email at: registration@niscc.hscni.net
Timescales
An application to register will be processed within 6-8 weeks from submission, although this is dependent on timely completion of endorsement and the process may take longer if there are issues which require additional assessment, such as a criminal record, disciplinary record, or mental/physical ill health.
Your Registration Data
The Social Care Council is registered with the Information Commissioner and data supplied by you will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. We electronically store the information you provide which will be retained according to our data retention and deletion policy.
Please note your data will be archived when we close your application or when you leave the Register. By submitting your application you consent to the processing of your personal data as described in the Social Care Council Data Protection Statement.