To Seek Professional Competency In Social Work Practice, Education And Research
Social Work Code of Ethics
The MASW Code of Ethics is to be adhered to by any individual who is practising social work, and any organisation which is providing social work services and employing social workers. Professional social workers must be accountable for upholding the values, principles and standards of the Code while engaging in social work practice.
Ethical Responsibilities to the Client
Social workers’ primary responsibility is the well-being of clients, with due regard to the respective interests of others
Social workers will safeguard clients’ rights to a relationship of mutual trust, privacy, confidentiality, decision making and the responsible use of information.
Social workers will ensure clients understand the obligations and implications of utilising the service
Social workers will engage clients when re-negotiating or terminating the relationship, and respect the voluntary clients’ rights to discontinue the service or engage another practitioner
Social workers will be responsible for keeping professionally impartial and accurate records of cases, and ensuring their privacy
Social workers will not practise discrimination of any kind in any form
Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues, Students and Others
Social workers will respect the professional expertise and differences in viewpoints of colleagues in social work and other disciplines, and work in collaboration with them in the interests of clients
Social workers will ensure clear communication to avoid misunderstandings in the event of accepting another colleague’s client.
Social workers will defend colleagues against any unjust actions
Social workers should avoid negative and discriminating criticisms of colleagues in communications with clients and other professionals
Social workers have a responsibility to address confirmed professional incompetence or unethical behaviour through appropriate professional,organisational or legal channels, if direct consultation did not result in that colleague taking remedial action
Ethical Responsibilities to the Agency
Social work practitioners shall be committed to the policies, objectives regulations and practices of their employing organisations, provided these do not conflict with the ethics of social work practice
Social workers will ensure that employers are aware of the obligations and implications of the MASW Code of Ethics
Social workers will act to influence policies and practices of the employing agencies in order to obtain the best possible standards of services for clients
Social work administrators should ensure policies, structures, systems, procedures and regulations will support ethical and competent practice, appropriate services and resources, effective teamwork, professional supervision and staff development
Social work educators, tutors and trainers should provide instructions only within their areas of competence based on the most current information and knowledge, and ensure fairness towards their students
Ethical Responsibilities to the Profession
Social workers will uphold the dignity, integrity, value and purpose of the profession
Social workers should work towards the promotion of competency standards in social work practice and administration, and in social work education, training and research
Social workers who speak on behalf of the profession or professional association should accurately represent its official and authorised views and positions
Social workers will obtain and maintain professional membership with MASW and contribute to its growth and development
Ethical Responsibilities to the Professional Self
Social workers should accept job responsibilities only on the basis of existing competence and experience
Social workers should keep abreast with emerging knowledge and new development in social work through continuing professional education and training
Social workers should engage in frequent reflection of own practice,have regular professional supervision, and seek debriefing when necessary
Social workers will ensure that their private conduct will not jeopardise their professional responsibilities, the integrity of the profession and that of the Association
Social workers should not engage in relationships which harass,oppress, compromise or exploit clients in any manner or form
Social workers should seek appropriate help if personal problems or conflict with colleagues are adversely affecting their work performance and well-being
Social workers should take responsibility and credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed and to which they have contributed
Ethical Responsibilities to Society
Social workers should advocate for social development to meet basic human needs and social justice for all citizens
Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies, programmes, services and institutions
Social workers shall be committed to uphold the tenets of universal declarations on human rights, the rights of children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and the rights of indigenous people