Section 46 — Ensuring adequate provision of social work training

(1) The Secretary of State may take such steps as the Secretary of State considers appropriate—

(a) to ensure that adequate provision is made for social work training, and

(b) to encourage individuals resident in England to undertake social work training.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may, in particular, be used to provide financial or other assistance (subject to any conditions the Secretary of State thinks are appropriate)—

(a) for individuals resident in England to undertake social work training;

(b) for organisations providing social work training.

(3) Functions of the Secretary of State under this section may be exercised by any person, or by employees of any person, authorised to do so by the Secretary of State.

(4) For the purpose of determining—

(a) the terms and effect of an authorisation under subsection (3), and

(b) the effect of so much of any contract made between the Secretary of State and the authorised person as relates to the exercise of the function,

Part 2 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 has effect as if the authorisation were given by virtue of an order under section 69 of that Act; and in subsection (3) “employee” has the same meaning as in that Part.

(5) In this section “social work training” means education or training that is suitable for people who are or wish to become social workers in England.