Fitness to practice in social work study

This @UCCsocialwork (University College Cork) study investigates the lived experiences of social workers in Ireland who have been referred to CORU’s Fitness to Practise (FTP) committee. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies across health and social care professions, this research aims to understand the personal, professional, and ethical implications of undergoing an FTP process. This study will examine how practitioners navigate the emotional and reputational impact of referral, perceptions of fairness and transparency in proceedings, and the broader consequences for career sustainability and identity. It also examines the support structures available to social workers during FTP investigations. Findings will inform policy and practice by highlighting the human dimensions of regulation and offering recommendations to enhance procedural justice, practitioner wellbeing, and public confidence in the profession. This study contributes to a growing body of research work by @UCCsocialwork on workforce issues in social work in Ireland.  

Study period: October 2025 - present.

Research team

1. Dr Calvin Swords, lecturer.
2. Dr Ndemazia Asonglefack Jingwa, lecturer.
3. Ms Olwen Halvey, lecturer. 
4. Ms Amy Bradley, researcher. 
5. Dr Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, senior lecturer.
6. Dr Kenneth Burns, senior lecturer.

All enquiries about this study to Kenneth - k.burns@ucc.ie