Require social workers to use body-worn cameras during statutory visits

We call on the UK Government to introduce legislation requiring social workers to use body-worn cameras during statutory home visits, child protection investigations, and formal assessments.

Social workers make life-changing decisions that can remove children from their families and lead to court action. These decisions have permanent effects on children’s wellbeing and family stability. Social workers are not required to use the body-worn cameras frequently seen on police officers or front-line staff. This can limit evidence, increase disputes, and reduce protection for children and families. Body-worn cameras could improve transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Decisions about whether to use body-worn cameras are best made locally by employers of child and family social workers, who can take account of local circumstances, workforce safety, service needs and the impact on children and families. As such, the Government does not plan to introduce legislation requiring child and family social workers to wear body-worn cameras during statutory home visits, child protection investigations or formal assessments.

Child and family social workers are highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in safeguarding children and supporting families. Effective social work relies on building trusted relationships with children, families and wider support networks. These relationships help practitioners understand children's circumstances, assess risk, make informed decisions and provide support that improves outcomes for children and families.

Body-worn cameras are used in some public services and may provide benefits in certain situations. Children's social work requires regular engagement with vulnerable children and families in sensitive situations, often within their homes and during difficult periods in their lives. There are likely to be circumstances where it will not be appropriate for social workers to wear a body camera when carrying out a statutory visit.

Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners are held to high standards of practice, conduct and accountability. Decisions are informed by professional standards, statutory guidance, management oversight and multi-agency working. There are also established mechanisms for scrutiny and challenge, including complaints procedures, independent review processes and, where appropriate, oversight by the courts.

The Government will continue to support strong professional practice and accountability across children's social care services while allowing employers to determine whether body-worn cameras are appropriate in their local context.

Department for Education