The Social Workers Regulations 2018

Obtaining further information and referral to case examiners

5.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the investigators may require any person who, in their opinion, is able to supply information or produce any document which appears relevant to the discharge of their functions or to those of case examiners or adjudicators under this Schedule, to attend and give evidence, or produce documents, in the fitness to practise proceedings.

(2) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) requires or permits any disclosure of information which is prohibited by or under any other enactment, or

(b) requires the production of any document which a person could not be compelled to supply or produce in proceedings in the High Court on an appeal from a decision of case examiners or adjudicators under Part 5.

(3) Any information required, and any representations made, under this Part must be provided to the investigators within such period as is specified in rules made under regulation 25(5)(b), or such longer period as the investigators may determine.

(4) The investigators may take such steps as are reasonably practicable to obtain any further information relevant to the investigation, and must refer the case to the case examiners —

(a) at any time during their investigation if they consider an interim order may be necessary for the protection of the public or in the best interests of the social worker, or

(b) at the conclusion of their investigation.