Merger of social care and health profession registers confirmed

The health bill has confirmed the controversial proposal to abolish the General Social Care Council and merge its functions with the Health Professions Council.

The organisation will become the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  

The GSCC said it was “surprised” at the original decision last year and warned of the unknown “costs, benefits and wider consequences” of the move.

But the health bill, published last week, has confirmed it is definitely to happen and lays out the timetable.

Social workers in England will need to register with HCPC to practice, and appeals against its decisions will be heard by a county court of the High Court.

HPC spokesman Ebony Gayle said: “The HPC is committed to maintaining good working relationships with the social work profession, government departments, education providers, user groups and other stakeholders as well as our colleagues in the regulatory councils in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“We continue to work closely with the GSCC to ensure a smooth transition and to welcome social workers into a multi professional regulatory body. Subject to legislative approval, we anticipate the Register will open in April 2012.”