Free Independent Social Worker Invoice Template

What is an Independent Social Worker invoice?

An independent social worker invoice covers assessment, consultancy, and report services provided on a self-employed basis outside statutory social services. Independent social workers are instructed by solicitors, courts, local authorities, charities, and private individuals for a range of work including parenting assessments, foster carer and adopter assessments, independent investigations, medico-legal reports, expert witness services, supervisions, and training. SWE (Social Work England) registration number must appear on professional invoices. Independent social work is a complex and regulated activity requiring specialist professional indemnity insurance. Medico-legal work is typically invoiced to solicitors at higher day rates than direct client work.

What to include on an Independent Social Worker invoice

• Client or case reference
• Instruction date and type of work
• SWE registration number
• Hours worked by task (assessment, travel, report writing, court attendance)
• Disbursements (mileage, accommodation for court attendance)
• Report title and delivery date (for report invoices)
• Instructing party reference (solicitor, court)
• Day rate or hourly rate
• VAT details if VAT-registered
• Payment terms

Common independent social worker invoice line items

How to invoice as an independent social worker

Invoice the instructing party (not the individual client) for most independent social work. For medico-legal reports, invoice on delivery with the case reference and hours breakdown. For court attendance, invoice after each hearing with the time log. SWE registration number must appear on all professional invoices. Net 30 for solicitors and local authority clients.