Catalogue description Records created or inherited by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work

The predecessor body of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) was the Council for Training in Social Work, which had been created by the Health Visiting and Social Work Training Act 1962. Under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, it was re-named CCETSW.

CCETSW was responsible for the promotion and oversight of education and training for work in personal social services in the UK. This included seeking secure training facilities, approving training courses and recruiting students, as well as defining curricula, entry and qualification requirements, examinations and research.

This non-departmental public body was funded by the Department of Health and Social Security (subsequently by the Department of Health from 1988), and its chairman was initially appointed by the Privy Council. The secretary of state for social services (later the secretary of state for health) was responsible for appointing fourteen of the Council's twenty-five other members. CCETSW's constitution was amended and its responsibilities redefined under the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983. The 1983 Act describes social work as that required in connection with health, education or social services provided by the state, local authorities, or voluntary organisations, and with the Probation Service.

In 2001, CCETSW was abolished with its functions devolved to the four countries of the UK. For the transitional period, CCETSW's activities were the responsibility of the General Social Care Council based in London.