10 Key Things Social Care Workers Must Know About CORU
The deadline date for Social Care Workers to register with CORU isn’t far away. So, if you haven’t yet registered, here’s a gentle reminder along with key information to bear in mind when you apply.
1. CORU Registration is a Legal Requirement
From 30th November 2023, it became a legal requirement for all Social Care Workers to register with CORU. There is a 2-year ‘transitional/grandparent period’ for existing practitioners to apply for registration, ending on 30th November 2025. This applies to practitioners who support vulnerable individuals and groups by providing care, protection, psychological support, and advocacy. In short, the title ‘Social Care Worker’ will become a legally protected title in Ireland from 1st December 2025. Anyone who wishes to practice under this title must register with CORU.
If you are a newly graduated Social Care Worker, you will need to register using CORU’s Standard Route (Section 38). The same applies if you are returning to Ireland after practising abroad or returning to the profession after a break.
2. The Registration Deadline is 30 November 2025
The deadline for registration of Social Care Workers is 30 November 2025. To register you must hold an approved Social Care qualification, complete your application online and demonstrate that you are fit and proper to practice the profession. You must also satisfy the Board that you have sufficient knowledge of English to practise Social Care work in Ireland, which may include taking a language test.
3. Your Name Will Be on Coru’s Register
CORU protects the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence within the health and social care professions. To enforce this, when you register with CORU your name is placed on the CORU Register - confirming your skills, ethical practice and commitment to CORU standards. Your name will be accessible to those searching online.
4. CORU Registration Supports You with a Code of Conduct
Your CORU registration supports you in your work through its Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. As a Social Care Worker, the Code gives you a valuable professional framework to guide your practice - ensuring high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence among those registered.
5. Registration Gives You Enhanced Professional Standing
As a Social Care Worker, your CORU registration speaks volumes about your professional capabilities. It demonstrates that your qualifications and competence have been independently verified and gives you professional recognition and standing.
6. Registration Encourages Public Confidence
Your registration is a ‘stamp of approval’ which gives peace of mind to members of the public. They are immediately assured that they are receiving care and support from a professional who is recognised and regulated.
7. Registration Offers Many More Benefits
Your CORU registration supports your ongoing professional development and encourages you to grow your knowledge and keep your skills up to date. It also protects the social care profession’s reputation by ensuring a formal disciplinary procedure is followed when professionals fail to meet CORU standards.
8 .You Can Apply Online
To apply for registering you will need to have an approved Social Care qualification. You can read more about this here www.ttmhealthcare.ie/blog/2023/12/registering-with-coru-as-a-social-care-worker and check which courses are recognised here. You will also have to present evidence that you have worked in Social Care for at least two years out of five.
9. Get Your Documents Ready to Register
When applying you’ll be asked for: Evidence of Qualification, Evidence of Identity, Fit and Proper Questionnaire (Health and Character), eVetting and International Police Clearance, Statutory Declaration, Confirmation of Good Standing with other international regulator (if applicable), Employment History/Evidence of Practice and two passport-size photos. The cost for registration is €100.
10. You Must Maintain your Registration
Each year you will need to renew your registration annually online through the CORU website and pay the annual renewal fee (currently €100). This is to confirm that you continue to meet the requirements of the Social Care Workers Registration Board's Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, including ongoing professional development.
Find out more about applying for CORU registration at:
https://www.coru.ie/social-care-workers/
Check out our available Social Care Worker jobs here.
