What We Do
Ethics Consultation and Resources
On this page:
- Code of Ethics
- Ethics Consultation Service
- Ethical Guidelines
- Ethics and related links and resources
- Ethics Policy and Law Reform
- Ethics Education & Training
- Code of Ethics training package
- You can also click here to learn more about making a complaint about unethical practice
Code Of Ethics
The AASW's Code of Ethics 2010 (the Code) is the core document which informs and guides the ethical practice of social workers. The Code expresses the values and responsibilities which are integral to and characterise the social work profession. It is intended to assist all social workers , collectively and individually, to act in ethically accountable ways in the pursuit of the profession's aims.
Access the AASW Code of Ethics 2010 here
Ethics Consultation Service (Members only)
The Ethics Consultation Service is a free service for members and relevant others (such as employers of AASW members) to discuss and process ethical dilemmas and ethical practice issues. Our ethics staff can provide both verbal and written information in relation to ethical issues and assist in linking ethics decision making to the Code of Ethics and broader ethical theory.
The service has also developed a range of ethical guidelines and resources for social workers that address frequently asked questions. These currently include information and guidance on the following topics:
- Mandatory Reporting
- Writing Court Reports
- Consent and Working With Children
- Case Note Recording
- 'You've Been Served' - Responding to a Subpoena
- International ethics - Australian Social Workers Overseas
- Supporting Ethical Practice in the Workplace
- Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships
- Information Management
- Conflicts of Interest
- Social media, Information and Communication Technologies
Our ethical guidelines can be accessed here.
Who provides the service?
The Ethics Consultation Service is managed by the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer, who works closely with a team of national ethics experts (the AASW’s National Ethics Panel and National Ethics Group).
Who can contact the service?
The service is particularly provided for members, however anyone may contact the service (e.g. employers).
How do I contact the service?
Please contact the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer at:
ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au or on (03) 9642 2307.
*Please ensure that you include the area code (03) if calling from outside Victoria.
Ethics and related links and resources *currently under construction*
Click here for a range of links to ethics and related resources such as:
- Information on major providers of support and advice in relation to industrial, legal and complaints matters
- Links to information of various Courts and jurisdictions
- Social work ethics reading lists, journal and educational resources
- Social work ethics training packages
Ethics Policy and Law Reform
The National Ethics Group, which includes a representative from each Branch (Branch Ethics Group Convenors), is responsible for initiating and responding to ethics policy and law reform opportunities, which are relevant to the social work profession and our clients.
How can I contact the National Ethics Group or a Branch Ethics Group?
You can contact these groups via the National Ethics & Practice Standards Officer.
Ethics Education and Training
Ethics education and training for members is coordinated nationally by the National Ethics Group, and implemented locally be each Branch Ethics Groups. Find upcoming training on our events page.
Code of Ethics training package
The National Ethics Group have developed a Code of Ethics training package that members can complete online and receive continuing professional development (CPD) points. Please find the links below to the powerpoint presentation and the accompanying presentation notes.
- Powerpoint presentation can be downloaded here.
- Accompanying presentation notes can be downloaded here.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact the National Ethics and Practice Standards Officer on (03) 9642 2307 or ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au
Have more questions?
Read our FAQs on Ethics or contact us on 03 9642 2307 or email ethicsconsult@aasw.asn.au