A National Survey of Case Managers and Case Management Practice in the United Kingdom

Case management in the United Kingdom is an unregulated profession with no defined training pathway. The current case management workforce in the United Kingdom is drawn from diverse professional backgrounds and plays an important role in rehabilitation and supporting patients within a medico-legal context. There is limited empirical evidence describing the UK case management workforce and its practice.

The study aimed to (1) describe the demographic and professional characteristics of individuals working in case management in the UK and (2) identify common trends in case management practice.

Rehabilitation case management settings in the United Kingdom.

Cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire tool distributed nationally via professional networks and organizations in the United Kingdom. The sample was adult practitioners working in the United Kingdom under the job title of case manager, or in roles consistent with the Institute of Registered Case Managers' (IRCM) definition of case management. The survey consisted of 29 questions eliciting data on the participants' background demographic information, professional practice information related to supervision, development and training, the client populations they manage, and practice-related information related to assessment, goal setting, and formal reporting.

A total of 168 case managers completed the survey. Respondents were predominantly female, clinically trained, and experienced practitioners, with 166 working in the private sector supporting clients with complex neurological and trauma-related conditions. Engagement in continued professional development (CPD) and supervision was high, with most respondents reporting regular participation in both. However, only 78 respondents (46%) reported using standardized outcome measures in practice, and a wide variation in assessment tools was identified. Most respondents reported flexibility in assembling rehabilitation teams and frequent involvement in litigation-related work.

This study provides the first national overview of the UK case management workforce, highlighting a predominantly experienced, clinically qualified but heterogeneous workforce. Although strong engagement in professional development and supervision is evident, variability in assessment practices and the absence of a formalized training pathway indicate a need for greater standardization and professional regulation. These findings support the development of structured education, competency frameworks, and initiatives such as the Institute of Registered Case Managers' Register to enhance consistency, governance, and public protection within the profession.This national cross-sectional survey provides evidence that can be used to support evidence-based policy and workforce planning and identify practice trends, gaps, and priorities. The findings from this research will serve as a benchmark for future studies. This research also strengthens the case for educational standards and professional development frameworks in the United Kingdom for the case management profession.