Section 43 — Education and training

(1) The regulator must, in relation to people who are or who wish to become social workers in England, determine and publish standards of education or training.

(2) Before determining a standard under this section the regulator must—

(a) consult such persons as the regulator considers appropriate, and

(b) obtain the Secretary of State's approval of the standard.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for the regulator to operate a scheme for the approval of—

(a) courses of education or training for people who are or who wish to become social workers in England;

(b) qualifications for people who are or who wish to become social workers in England.

(4) The regulations may make provision in connection with the approval scheme.

(5) For example, the regulations may make provision about—

(a) the criteria for approval or continued approval;

(b) the procedure for approval or renewal of approval;

(c) duties to provide information to the regulator;

(d) inspections in connection with the approval or continued approval of courses or qualifications (including provision for the appointment of people to carry out inspections);

(e) appeals against decisions in connection with approval;

(f) the publication of the scheme.

(6) The provision that may be made under the regulations about the appointment of people to carry out inspections includes provision about—

(a) payments to be made to those appointed;

(b) staff, facilities or other assistance.