Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Care Professionals Register (CPR), a voluntary register for social care workers in England.

Q. Why is there a registration fee?

A. As of July 2025, a modest registration fee has been introduced to support the ongoing operation and development of the register. The CPR is independently managed and has been assessed by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) as being in the public interest. The fee helps ensure sustainability, enhance credibility, and maintain rigorous safeguarding standards.

The CPR is not government-mandated but provides voluntary recognition of a care professional’s commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.

Q. Is it compulsory for me to register?

A. No, registration is completely voluntary. However, we encourage care professionals to join the register as it demonstrates your commitment to the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Q. Has the register been mandated by the national government?

A. No. The register is not mandated by the national government. It was created independently by the National Association of Care & Support Workers (NACAS) and the Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) in response to recommendations in the People Plan for Social Care. This initiative aims to bring England more in line with the devolved regions of the UK, where registration is mandatory.

Q. Is the register recognised in the social care sector?

A. Yes. There is widespread support among care providers and senior stakeholders, including organisations such as Care England.

Q. Why do I need to provide proof of my DBS ?

A. Although the CPR is voluntary, safeguarding is a top priority. To uphold public trust and safety, we require evidence of an enhanced DBS appropriate to their role as part of the registration process. Once verified, this information is securely deleted from our systems.

Q. I am a self-employed care professional. Can I register?

A. Yes, self-employed care professionals in England are welcome to register. However, we currently cannot accept registrations from professionals working in devolved regions that already have mandatory registration frameworks.

Q. Can I be removed from the register?

A. Yes, individuals may be removed from the register if their conduct or behaviour is found to breach the  Code of Professional Conduct. However, this would only occur following a fair and proportionate review through our interim fitness to practise process, designed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Q. If I am removed from the register, will it be made public?

A. Yes. As the Care Professionals Register (CPR) has now been deemed to be in the public interest by the Professional Standards Authority, transparency is essential. Therefore, if an individual is removed from the register following a fitness to practise process, their removal will be made public, along with the appropriate reason for removal clearly stated.

This ensures accountability and protects public trust in the social care profession.

Q. Is there a fee to register?

A. Yes, a modest registration fee has now been introduced to ensure the sustainability and integrity of the register. The fee supports the essential functions required to operate the CPR to a high standard.

Q. What are the costs of maintaining the CPR?

A. Operating a register to professional standards involves significant ongoing investment. Key cost areas include:

Technology & Infrastructure: Database systems, platforms, cybersecurity.

Data Management & Verification: DBS checks, ID validation, credential verification.

Compliance & Legal Oversight: Ensuring GDPR compliance and legal safeguarding.

Staffing & Support Services: Admin, customer support, and case management teams.

Audit & Monitoring: Regular reviews and quality assurance.

Governance & Outreach: Communication with registrants, sector engagement, and promotion.

Q. If I no longer work as a social care worker, how do I remove my name from the register?

A. Simply email us at enquiries@cpr.co.uk and let us know. We’ll remove your entry. If you return to the sector later, you are welcome to reapply.

Q. How long will the register be active?

A. The CPR is currently running as an initial sector pilot. During this period, there will be regular co-operation with the social care stakeholders in England to help shape and develop the CPR further.

Q. What will happen after the pilot period?

A. Our goal is to present the CPR as a viable and accredited model for a future national register. We are working with the Professional Standards Authority to achieve accreditation. If granted, the register will operate independently with a long-term vision—regardless of government decisions around mandatory registration.