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The time has come for the AASW to review the AASW Code of Ethics. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved and continue to shape your profession. The Code of Ethics of the AASW 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.
Under the Constitution, the AASW must maintain a Code of Ethics which contains a set of principles agree to by all members. Upon becoming members and upon annual renewal of their membership, members of the AASW make a commitment to, and are required to abide by this Code. AASW members, both practitioners and students, are called upon to account for their practice in the event of complaint or investigation regarding unethical conduct.
A thorough review of the AASW Code of Ethics 2010 has been completed to assess it against the contemporary environment taking into consideration changes to practice, in areas such as technology, social workers in private practice and changes in the broader landscape of fitness to practise, readiness for practice and sanctions. The review determined that social workers have been in good hands with the existing Code of Ethics 2010 however it does need to be modernised in keeping with international practice to ensure it continues to provide the ethical framework for us as individual social workers and as a collective.
A consultant, Dr Craig McInnis from Phillips KPA has been confirmed to lead the development of the new AASW Code of Ethics. We are finalising our expert panel of social workers who will work with Dr McInnis to develop the first draft of the revised Code. The consultation will be in four parts: focus groups to discuss in detail specific aspects of the Code; a broader discussion held via two Webinars (more if member interests determines); and a whole-of-member survey to ask for your feedback on general issues and specific areas for consideration; and online noticeboard. The feedback from members will go to the Expert Panel who will prepare a draft version for consideration by the Board.
Member consultation will be facilitated via focus groups proposed for 9, 11 & 12 September under 3 broad categories:
Contemporary Social Work Practice
- Private Practice
- Role of Technology
- Business Etiquette
Responsibilities of Practice
- Fitness to practise
- Readiness to practise
- Sanctions
First Nations
- Culturally appropriate responses and issues
Further information about being part of the focus groups will be provided via future bulletins.
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