Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Social Work. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics. This information is also available in Welsh.
Publication date: 09 Apr 2026
Publication date: 08 Apr 2026
As an academic discipline applied through professional practice, Social Work is distinguished by its focus on navigating complex social situations to promote and safeguard both individual and collective well-being. A key characteristic of social work education is to encompass the integrated study of specialised knowledge, skills, and values, along with the critical application of research to inform understanding and to guide action, reflection, and evaluation. Social Work is practised in a diverse range of settings, reflecting the diversity and complexity of contemporary society. The dynamic relationship between society, the state, and the profession remains fundamental to social work’s role in supporting individuals affected by trauma and those in need or at risk. Operating in contexts marked by uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, social workers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges effectively.
Revising the Social Work Statement offered a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and reimagine what social work can and should be in a rapidly changing world. It gave us space to consider contemporary issues in practice and the profession’s contribution across diverse sectors. Through this process, we strengthened the connection between the social work knowledge base, including research and its application in practice, ensuring continued alignment with regulatory expectations across all four nations. The revision also allowed us to address emerging developments, including the growing impact of technologies such as generative AI and the profession’s responsibility in responding to global challenges, among them climate change, social justice, and widening inequalities. The updated Statement has been positively received. We hope it will inspire and support the ongoing development of courses that equip future social workers with the knowledge, skills and values needed to lead meaningful and positive change.
Visit our Subject Benchmark page to find all of our Subject Benchmark Statements, covering a wide range of subjects and discipline areas.
