Ms A Arkorful v Social Work England — 2026

The claimant was a registered social worker and brought complaints arising from decisions by Social Work England panels and the regulator concerning conditions of practice and suspension. At an earlier preliminary hearing, claims of unfair dismissal, sexual orientation discrimination, and victimisation were withdrawn and dismissed upon withdrawal, leaving a direct race discrimination claim.

The tribunal found that the claimant was not an employee of the respondent and that the respondent was a qualifications body within the meaning of s55 Equality Act 2010. The remaining race discrimination claim was treated as a claim under s53 Equality Act 2010 concerning alleged discriminatory decisions about the claimant's qualification or ability to practise.

The tribunal held that s120 Equality Act 2010 removed its jurisdiction where the act complained of may be subject to a statutory appeal or appeal-like proceedings. Because the Social Workers Regulations 2018 provided a statutory right of appeal to the High Court, and the claimant had exercised that right in relation to some decisions, the tribunal struck out the remaining claim for lack of jurisdiction.