The AASW’s strategic priorities for 2026–27
16 July 2026
The AASW’s Strategic Priorities for July 2026 to June 2027 reflect our commitment to strengthening the profession and delivering greater value for members.
This is a focused 12-month plan designed to help us rebuild trust, strengthen our foundations, deliver greater value to members, and amplify the voice of social work where it matters most.
These priorities have been shaped by what we heard from more than 3,000 members and stakeholders through the 2025 Stakeholder Survey and the Blueprint for Change. They reflect the issues members told us matter most: professional recognition, fair compensation, strong advocacy, professional support, and a more connected and responsive AASW.
At the heart of this strategy is a clear purpose: to advance social work and its values. The priorities have been developed with a strong set of guiding principles, including being member-led, transparent, accountable, and focused on sustainable change. They recognise that meaningful renewal starts with listening, following through on our commitments, and demonstrating progress over time.
This is not a strategy that promises everything. Rather, it is a commitment to doing the most important things well, creating stronger foundations, and working alongside the profession to build confidence in the future of our Association.
Importantly, we are committed to keeping members informed of our progress. Over the next 12 months, from July 2026 to June 2027, we will regularly report back on what we have achieved, what we have learned, and where further work is needed. We want members to see not only our intentions, but the tangible actions and outcomes that follow.