Understanding the emerging use of artificial intelligence in social work education and practice in England: Research report (2026)
Introduction
Social Work England commissioned Research in Practice to explore the emerging use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social work education and practice in England. The research, conducted in 2025, aimed to understand the types of AI being used, opportunities and risks, workforce preparedness and identify implications for the professional standards for social workers.
AI is a fast-moving, ever-changing field, and the use of AI in social work practice and education is increasing every day. This report summarises the views, hopes and concerns shared with us about the use of AI in social work practice and education by social workers, social work employers, educators and AI experts.
As the use of AI changes and grows as technology develops, the implementation of the recommendations in this report become more urgent, so the potential of AI can be developed and implemented in ways that enhance and support the social work role, and equitably amplifies the voices of people with lived and learned experience.
This report explores:
- How AI is being used in social work.
- The risks and ethical challenges of using AI in social work.
- Preparing and supporting social workers to use AI lawfully, ethically and responsibly.
- Balancing opportunities, risks and ethical challenges.
- An analysis of key themes.
- Conclusions and recommendations.
To gain a greater understanding of Understanding the emerging use of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work education and practice in England: Research report (2025) you can download and read the full digital resource, which includes references.
Related resources
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Social Work England commissioned two pieces of research into the emerging use of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work. The Open University carried out a literature review and Research in Practice carried out a research investigation. Access the Social Work England report, The emerging use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social work.
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Communication | Child and family assessment | Analysis, decision-making, planning and review | Organisational context | Shaping and influencing the practice system | Confident analysis and decision-making | Purposeful and effective social work | Creating a context for excellent practice | Designing a system to support effective practice | Support effective decision-making | Quality assurance and improvement | The role of social workers | Effective assessments and outcome based support planning | Direct work with individuals and families | Supervision, critical analysis and reflection | Person-centred practice | Influencing and governing practice excellence within the organisation and community | Assuring good social work practice and development | Promoting and supporting critical analysis and decision-making
CQC - Safe | Effective
PCF - Values and ethics | Critical reflection and analysis | Intervention and skills | Contexts and organisations | Professional leadership
RCOT - Evaluate impact | Demonstrate quality
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