The profession of Social Care Worker is now a protected title under Irish law, following a key change in legislation under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. This means that only those registered with CORU, Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator, can legally use the title “Social Care Worker” after November 30th, 2025. The regulation aims to ensure that all practitioners meet national standards for education, ethics, and professional conduct.
What’s Changing?
As of the deadline, all practising social care workers must be listed on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by CORU. This brings the profession in line with other regulated fields, such as social work, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, offering greater protection for the public and increased recognition for professionals.
What Does Registration Involve?
To become registered with CORU, you must:
- Meet Educational Requirements: You’ll need a qualification that’s recognised by CORU for entry to the register. If your qualifications were obtained outside Ireland or through non-traditional routes, you may need to undergo an assessment process.
- Submit a Complete Application: This includes:
-
- Proof of qualifications
- Valid photo ID
- Garda vetting
- Details of professional experience (if applicable)
- Payment of the application and registration fees
3. Adhere to Professional Standards: Registrants are required to comply with CORU’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, covering responsibilities to service users, confidentiality, professional behaviour, and ongoing competency.
Why Is This Important?
After November 30th, 2025:
-
- You cannot legally use the title “Social Care Worker” unless you are registered with CORU.
-
- Employers will be prohibited from hiring or retaining unregistered staff in roles designated as social care work.
-
- You may be subject to legal or disciplinary action if you continue working without being registered.
This legislative change is not only about compliance, it’s about professionalism, public trust, and protecting vulnerable individuals who rely on social care services.
Who Needs to Take Action?
-
- Current practitioners already working in social care, particularly those who qualified prior to the establishment of statutory regulation, must take immediate steps to ensure compliance. This includes individuals currently employed under contracts designating them as Social Care Workers (SCWs). Under Irish law, as per the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, the title “Social Care Worker” is a protected title and cannot be lawfully used by unregistered individuals after 30th November 2025.
-
- From 1st December 2025, employers, including the HSE, section 38 and 39 agencies, and private organisations, will be legally obliged to either terminate such contracts or reassign individuals to alternative roles that do not require the protected title of Social Care Worker, which may be at a lower grade or classification, if the practitioner has not completed Stage 4 of the CORU registration process (i.e. submission of a full application and accompanying documentation and payment of €100 processing fee). Failure to do so may place employers in breach of employment and professional regulation obligations.
-
- Responsibility for registration lies solely with the individual practitioner, not with the employer. This has been formally communicated by CORU, and organisations such as the HSE, SIPTU, Fórsa, and other trade unions have already issued notices to their members and staff, reiterating that practitioners must take personal responsibility to meet registration requirements by the statutory deadline.
-
- Graduates and students who are completing or have completed approved social care programmes must also prepare to register promptly to ensure no interruption in employment or eligibility.
The Grandparenting Route: A Critical Deadline
An essential component of CORU’s registration process is the “grandparenting” (Transition) provisions, which must be completed by 30th November 2025. The grandparenting route is designed specifically for:
-
- Experienced practitioners who were working as Social Care Workers before regulation was introduced.
-
- Individuals who may not hold a CORU-approved qualification but have gained substantial experience and/or training in the role.
-
- Practitioners who did not completed programmes not recognised by CORU (i.e., not listed among the many approved Level 7 & 8 social care qualifications on its website)
There are two transition routes (Section 91/1 and 91/2), designed for experienced practitioners who do not hold a standard CORUapproved qualification. These routes close strictly on 30 November 2025 – No Extensions.
If you fall into this category, for example, if you received your qualification through an older programme, an international course, or a now-defunct institution, the grandparenting route is likely your only opportunity to gain statutory registration without returning to full-time education.
To apply via grandparenting, you must:
-
- Demonstrate proof of practice as a Social Care Worker for a specified period prior to regulation.
-
- Provide detailed documentation of your qualifications, experience, references, and role history.
-
- Complete Stage 4 of the CORU application process by 30th November 2025.
After that date, the grandparenting option will close permanently, and individuals without a recognised qualification will no longer be eligible to register, potentially ending their eligibility to work in any position using the protected title “Social Care Worker”.
Time Is Running Out
The CORU registration process can take time, from document checks to Garda vetting and qualification verification. With the 30th of November deadline fast approaching, it’s crucial not to delay.
Support Is Available
-
- Visit www.coru.ie for official guidance and application resources.
-
- Speak to your employer or educational institution about support with registration.
-
- Chat with your recruitment experts in this area, Orange Recruitment, www.orangerecruitment.ie/contact
