The Code of Conduct covers the professional standards of behaviour, integrity and conduct that apply to registered social workers and that should apply generally in the social work profession.
Download:
The Code requires social workers to:
- act with integrity and honesty
- respect the status of Māori as tangata whenua
- respect the cultural needs and values of the client
- be competent and responsible for your professional development
- protect the rights and promote the interests of clients
- strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of clients
- respect the client’s privacy and confidentiality
- work openly and respectfully with colleagues
- maintain public trust and confidence in the social work profession
- keep accurate records and use technology effectively and safely
- be responsible in research and publications
After each section outlining the principles, there is a guide to interpreting the principles. The SWRB recognises that no code can prescribe, in detail, every behaviour expected of a professional social worker. This Code should be interpreted by taking into account the balance of responsibilities between employers and their professional staff, and individual circumstances.
The Social Workers Registration Board issued this Code in accordance with section 105 of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003.
Updates
The Code of Conduct may be updated by the SWRB from time to time to ensure its ongoing relevance, and to reflect issues that arise in practice.
