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Pathways into and through the Profession

Update: 29 Aug 2011

Pathways Proposal will not proceed

The AASW Board in its role of regularly reviewing the Association’s Strategic Priorities has determined the need to:-

• successfully implement the Australian College of Social Work;
• complete the ASWEAS Review Project and launch the new Standards;
• pursue statutory regulation via the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme;
• continue the smooth introduction of the new CPD Policy; and
• engage in ongoing Branch development for the benefit of all members.

In light of these key priorities, the Board has decided that the Pathways Proposal as currently conceived will not proceed.

The Board has considered and appreciates the feedback received on the Pathways Proposal. Whilst work on this Proposal will not continue, it remains the view of the Board that there are many significant, challenging and complex workforce issues confronting the social work profession and the AASW. The role of the Board is to identify, explore and address issues such as:-

• static membership numbers;
• an ageing workforce with only modest growth in the number of enrolments in entry level social work degree courses;
• increasing competition for employment from non social work degree qualified professionals;
• absence of protection of title for social work and lack of registration for the profession;
• lack of a sector-wide workforce strategy; and
• a generally poor understanding of the role of social work by the community, government, and industry as well as a generally low profile for the profession. (Marie- Claire Cheron-Sauer, AASW National Bulletin, Vol. 21, Issue 2, p.27)

The Board is committed to undertaking more detailed work on exploring all these pivotal workforce issues together with a range of potential options to address them. To that end, the Board will commission a White Paper to be released by 2012 which will inform all members on a number of critical questions and seek views about the options for action.

The Board is totally committed to ensuring the ongoing growth and development of the social work profession and the AASW. Understanding and responding to these substantial workforce issues is a responsibility that we must all share if we are to secure a successful and sustainable future for our profession and national professional organisation.

Professor Bob Lonne B Soc Wk, PhD
National President

Update: 3 June 2011

To date the Board has engaged in a range of communications to explain the impetus behind the Pathways proposal. This has included the web blog, Bulletin articles and letters, some Branch forums, as well as discussions with Heads of Schools of Social Work and National Committees.

These preliminary discussions have helped to shape a more formal consultation process. To this end the AASW has commissioned an independent consultant to write a discussion paper that analyses the key drivers that brought about the Pathways proposal, as well as commenting on the extent to which the proposal may or may not increase the capacity of the AASW to realise its objectives.

This discussion paper will be widely disseminated in August. Members will then be given ample time to make formal submissions in response.

Support will be offered to any Branch or group who would like a discussion forum.

During September there will also be a survey of a randomly chosen representative sample of the membership to gather their opinions.

By November the Board should have enough information to determine any further action in relation to Pathways.

A bold new proposal to strengthen the Social Work profession and the AASW

Background
In November 2009 the AASW Board unanimously supported a motion which read (in part) “That the Board provides in principle support for the Pathways Project and authorises a consultation process be undertaken with members and other stakeholders ...” (DM/RES: 966 /09). The proposal developed by the pathways project reference group was based on a range of workforce and other evidence concerning changes in the human services here and overseas.

What is the Pathways Proposal?

The pathways proposal focuses on establishing a tiered membership that recognises, promotes and rewards all social work members attaining higher levels of expertise and qualifications. It would mean:

  • BSW or an AASW recognised equivalent would be required for full AASW membership status
  • Tertiary and vocationally trained human service workers would be eligible to become associate members of the AASW
  • Industry protection of the role and profession of Social Work as articulated in the AASW Code of Ethics and AASW Education and Accreditation standards
  • Governance structures to retain the professional and ethical standards required for any level of membership of the AASW
  • Clear linkages to already endorsed changes such as the College of Australian Social Work and CPD.

Voting rights would be open to all members but only full members would be eligible to stand for elected positions in the peak governance Board.

Implementation would be a staged process over several years.

Why propose a change?

The proposal increases the viability, influence and sustainability of the AASW and thereby furthers its capacity to realise its core objectives. It would provide a vehicle for a range of other human service workers in the health and community services sectors that do not have access to strong national and local supports to gain access to these through membership of the AASW. There would be increased accountability of the human service workforce to the Australian community because a wider cross section would be adhering to the requirements of the Code of Ethics of the AASW and educational institutions would have increased accreditation requirements. There would be a stronger collective voice to government which would help shape future services and policy.

Watch the Vodcast (video podcast)

Click the play button to watch Professor Bob Lonne, AASW National President, talking about the Pathways proposal.

Here is the longer version of the same clip as above:

Futher Reading

Social Work at its Best: A statement of Social Work Roles and Tasks for the 21st Century, General Social Care Council, UK.

Building a Safe and Confident Future: Implementing the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, UK Department of Health.

The Social Work & Human Services Workforce: Report from the National Study of Education, Training and Workforce Needs, Karen Healy and Bob Lonne.

The Consultation Process

The pathways consultation process will be extensive and comprehensive. Its aim is to explain, develop and refine the proposal. This consultation includes:

  • Information through the National Bulletin, e-bulletins and the website
  • Web-site members forum
  • Focus groups and consultations with Branches
  • Meetings with key external stakeholders
  • Refining the proposal

Have Your Say!

To make a comment or ask a question go to the Pathways Members Forum

If you would prefer to email your questions and comments contact National Office on 02 6232 3900

How does pathways link to the Australian College of Social Work and CPD?

This table has been temporarially removed while it is updated with the latest information about the College and CPD.