The regulator must determine and publish professional standards for social workers in England.
If the regulator is required to keep a register of students, it must determine and publish standards of conduct or ethics for registered students.
Before determining a standard under this section the regulator must—
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about arrangements for assessing whether a person meets a professional standard under subsection (1) relating to proficiency.
If the Secretary of State has made regulations under section 48(1)(a) (transfer to the regulator of functions in connection with approved mental health professionals), the reference in subsection (1) to professional standards for social workers in England includes professional standards relating to their work as approved mental health professionals.