10.7 Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work

1. Introduction

This chapter is a summary of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) which is the overarching framework for social work practice in England. It is a profession-owned framework for all social work and provides guidance and a common understanding of what it means to be a social worker in every sector and at every career stage, from pre-qualifying to strategic levels.

The PCF was first introduced in 2012, and, following extensive consultation, was reviewed in 2018 and again in 2026.

2. About the PCF

The PCF is the framework for social work practice and learning in England and performs the following functions:

• sets out nine common domains of capability for social workers, arranged across three super-domains;
• promotes and underpins social work as ‘one profession’ across all specialisms, sectors and settings;
• supports social workers to meet requirements of the professional regulator (Social Work England).

3. Foundational Principle – Social Justice

Social justice is a commitment shared by all social workers. It involves:

• recognising and challenging inequality, discrimination, racism and oppression in all forms; and
• promoting equity, inclusion and fair access to resources and opportunities, while respecting diversity and valuing peoples lived experiences.

Social workers need to critically consider the wider political, social, economic and structural factors that impact individuals and communities in order to support defensible and well-informed decisions and interventions. Social workers are expected to take a holistic approach, and act in ways that promote empathy and collective responsibility; support empowerment; uphold human rights and contribute to equitable outcomes.

4. Domain Descriptors and Super Domains

See also PCF Fan Graphic (opens as a PDF).

The PCF contains nine domain descriptors which describe key areas of social work practice.

In 2018, three super domains were also added, and these are used to organise the nine domain descriptors into three overarching areas:

4.1 Purpose (Super Domain)

1. Values and Ethics – Apply social work principles and values to guide professional practice.

2. Equality and Diversity – Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory, anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles in practice.

3. Rights, Justice and Economic Well Being – Advance human rights and promote social justice and economic wellbeing.

4.2 Practice (Super Domain)

4. Knowledge – Develop and apply relevant knowledge from social work practice and research, social sciences, law, other professional and relevant fields and from the experience of people who use services.

5. Critical Reflection and Analysis – Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making.

6. Intervention and Skills – Use judgement, knowledge and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support, prevent harm and enable progress.

4.3 Impact (Super Domain)

7. Contexts and Organisations – Engage with, inform and adapt to changing organisational contexts, and the social and policy environments that shape practice. Operate effectively within and contribute to the development of organisations and services, including multi-agency and interprofessional settings.

8. Leadership – Promote the profession and good social work practice. Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others. Develop personal influence and be part of the collective leadership and impact of the profession.

9. Professionalism- Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development.

4.4 Level descriptors

The nine level descriptors describe different social work roles and set out expectations for the level of capability which students or social workers should be able to demonstrate at this stage of their career. The required capabilities are organised using the nine domain descriptors.

There are four pre-qualifying levels:

• point of entry to training;

• readiness for direct practice;

• end of first placement;
• end of last placement / completion.

Then another five levels beyond:

• newly qualified social worker;
• social worker;
• experienced social worker;
• advanced social worker;
• strategic social worker.

5. Relationship between the PCF, the Knowledge and Skills Statement and the Regulatory Standards

The PCF is a framework of generic capabilities and professional development onto which specific areas of practice knowledge and skill can be built (for example, capabilities for social work with older people).

The Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) from the Chief Social Worker for Adults describes what a social worker should know, and be able to do, in specific practice settings, in specific roles and at different levels of seniority. The KSS maps onto the Practice domains of the PCF (which are knowledge, critical reflection and analysis, and interventions and skills) and should help guide everyday practice, supervision and professional leadership, particularly in statutory social work settings.

The Social Work England Professional Standards are the minimum standards considered necessary for safe and effective practice. They set out what a social worker in England must know, understand and be able to do after completing their social work education or training.  They include standards for engagement in continuing professional development (CPD). They apply to all registered social workers in all roles and settings. Breach of these can lead to removal from the register (and therefore removal of the legal right to be called a social worker).

For more information, please see: Mapping the PCF, KSS and Regulatory Standards in England  (opens as a PDF).

6. Further Reading

About the Professional Capabilities Framework and Guidance (BASW)

Professional Standards (Social Work England)

Professional Standards Guidance (Social Work England)