We consult on significant proposals related to our work as a regulator that affect the social work and social care workforce in Northern Ireland, the people who use services, employers and the wider public.
Consultation is how we gather evidence, test proposals, and make better decisions.
When we consult, we commit to reading every response and publishing a full analysis of what we heard.
We will update this page when new consultations are announced.
Current consultations
Review of registration fees — OPEN NOW
Closes: 9 November 2026.
We are reviewing the registration fees paid by social workers, social care managers, social care practitioners and social work students in Northern Ireland. The current fees were last set over ten years ago.
We are proposing a phased, three-year increase in fees. We want your views on whether our proposals are fair, equitable and right.
The consultation is open to everyone. We particularly encourage responses from:
- Registered social workers, social care managers and social care practitioners.
- Social work students.
- Employers.
- Trade unions and professional bodies.
- Education, academic and training providers.
- People who use services and their carers.
- Members of the public.
How to respond:
The easiest way to respond is through our online survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Read the consultation documents:
| Consultation document and questionnaire |
| Quick reference guide |
| Equality Impact Assessment |
| Frequently asked questions (FAQ) |
Need a different format?
If you need an alternative format, please contact us by email at: businesssupport@niscc.hscni.net or by calling 028 9536 2600 (phoneline opening hours apply).
All responses will be treated confidentially. A summary of all responses will be published following the close of the consultation.
Need a different format?
If you need the consultation in large print, audio, Braille, or another language, or if you need support to take part, please contact us by email at: businesssupport@niscc.hscni.net or by calling 028 9536 2600 (phoneline opening hours apply).
All responses will be treated confidentially. A summary of all responses will be published following the close of the consultation.
Closed consultations — reports and outcomes
This section holds reports and outcomes from all Social Care Council consultations. We publish a full outcomes report following each consultation.
If you do not find the consultation you are looking for please contact: BusinessSupport@niscc.hscni.net.
How we use your responses
Every response to a Social Care Council consultation is read and analysed by our team. We publish a full consultation outcomes report and do not make decisions before consulting. Our consultations are genuine and the evidence we gather shapes what we do.