Moved by
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
135C: After Clause 20, insert the following new Clause—
“Social Work Improvement Agency
(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Social Work Improvement Agency (referred to in this Act as “the Agency”), which shall have the functions conferred on it by or under this Act or any other enactment.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Agency to promote in relation to England—
(a) high professional standards for social workers;
(b) high ethical standards for social workers;
(c) high standards in the training of social workers; and
(d) continuing professional training and development for social workers.
(3) The Agency shall, in the exercise of its functions, act—
(a) in accordance with any directions given to it by the appropriate Minister; and
(b) under the general guidance of the appropriate Minister.
(4) Regulations made by statutory instrument may provide for the appointment and financing of the Board of the Agency and for the appointment of staff to the Agency.
(5) Regulations made under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.”