Members may be aware that Skills England has recently forwarded advice from DWP on the funding rule 68.3: “A Level 7 non-mandatory qualification must not be used to deliver the content of a Level 6 standard.” With specific relation to the Social Worker L7 standard.

With thanks to UVAC members and colleagues in the LGA and local government who also shared this, Skills England has just shared DWP advice that ‘The level of standard reflects the level of KSBs within that standard. For example, a level 6 standard will have level 6 KSBs therefore, it is not appropriate to use a non mandatory level 7 qualification in this way- it is over and above the requirements of the standard and as per the funding rules, additional content not required by the study is not eligible for funding.

However this contradicts the standard wording  updated with version 2.0) on 25/3/2026, which states: This is a Level 6 apprenticeship.  However, there is an option for the learning to be delivered at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.  The level will be dependent on the employer’s arrangements with the training provider.

The Apprenticeship Standard EPA Plan also confirms that: Apprentices must complete the qualification detailed within the occupational standard during their apprenticeship, ensuring the minimum duration of the apprenticeship is met.

ACTION : UVAC is seeking a meeting with DWP and Skills England as we lobby for clarity and better consideration of implementation timing.

Call for Evidence – by COP 29^th June:

Given the proximity of Autumn recruitment and enrolment activity, we are keen to gather evidence as quickly as possible.

Complete the UVAC Social Work Level 7 survey

Please send any information, examples or concerns using the survey link below or if you prefer, to rebecca at [email protected]

Concerns Raised

The clarification has been issued at a point when many providers and employers have completed / are completing long planned recruitment and workforce planning activities for September 2026 starts. We are aware of many shared concerns and want to quantify this with you :

• Local authorities and other employers have spent many months planning recruitment against anticipated apprenticeship cohorts. Employers will already have allocated workplace mentors, identified practice placements and planned service capacity around these learners.
• Social work remains a workforce shortage area in many parts of the country, and any disruption to apprenticeship recruitment risks exacerbating existing workforce pressures.
• Universities may have developed programme structures and secured approvals based on established delivery models. The loss of apprenticeship volumes may threaten overall social work delivery viability
• Prospective apprentices may already have accepted places, made personal and professional commitments, and begun preparing for study.
• The late timing of this clarification raises questions about learner experience and whether sufficient notice has been provided for institutions, employers and learners to adapt.