There are many government organisations which work in social services and, along with the SWRB which is a Crown entity, either focus on social work or the whānau and communities they are involved with.
These include Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC), the Ombudsman, and the Independent Children’s Monitor (ICM).
In March 2019, the Government agreed to strengthen independent oversight of Oranga Tamariki through improved advocacy for tamariki and rangatahi, independent complaints avenues, and universal monitoring of the care and protection and youth justice system.
Three agencies make up this oversight function:
- The Office of the Children’s Commissioner continues to carry out advocacy for tamariki and rangatahi, and will have an expanded role and responsibilities under new legislation.
- The Ombudsman will have enhanced oversight of complaints for children and young people in the care or custody of the state.
- The Independent Children’s Monitor (the Monitor) has been set up to monitor the system incorporating the National Care Standards (NCS) regulations, providing assurance and reporting on the performance of organisations that look after our tamariki and rangatahi, to make sure they are doing what they need to, to enable them to reach their potential and thrive.
The Monitor became operational on 1 July 2019 and is in the early stages of setting up how it works, currently monitoring two of the NCS regulations, which focus on allegations of abuse or neglect of tamariki in care.
From December 2020, it will monitor all of the NCS regulations. The Monitor monitors the system of state care, not individual children. It collects data and information from agencies which have care and custody, and will speak with those caring for tamariki, parents, whānau and, of course, tamariki and rangatahi to validate this data. The Monitor then reports its findings to the Minister for Children and publishes all reports on its website.
The Monitor’s tikanga approach ensures its operating values lay a sound foundation for it to work with tamariki and rangatahi, and those who hold their best interest at heart – their whanau, hapū, iwi and communities. It focuses on ensuring that relationships are built on respect and trust, reciprocity, a common focus, cohesiveness and proactive engagement, along with effective processes for talking, learning and working together, contributing to successful outcomes.
To find out more about the Monitor, visit http://www.icm.org.nz and subscribe to its newsletter.
The SWRB also works closely with the professional body for social workers, ANZASW, and you can find out more below:
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| Established by the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 | Established in 1964 under the Incorporated Societies Act (1908) |
| Is accountable to the Minister of Social Development and Parliament | Is accountable to members |
| Provides a voice for the public | Provides an independent voice for social workers |
| Increases the professionalism of social workers | Supports social workers & the social work profession |
| Purpose | Purpose |
| Protects the safety of the public by ensuring social workers are: • Competent to practice • Accountable for their practice • Fit to practice Supports social workers by operating the regulatory framework in a way that’s transparent and accountable Builds public trust so social workers can be recognised as skilled professionals Lifts the standing of social work by having registered professionals, similar to others, ie teachers, nurses and lawyers | Provides a national organisation for professional social workers to (re)present their views on social policy and practice, and to protect their interests and public standing Advances social justice, human rights and human dignity through advocacy and social change Promotes an indigenous identity for social work in Aotearoa New Zealand |
| Registration & Enhancing Professionalism | Services Provided |
| Registers social workers | Provides a ‘voice’ for social workers through a range of media |
| Issues Practising Certificates | Publications – Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, Notice Board, eNotices, website, practice notes |
| Sets professional standards through a Code of Conduct | Develops & maintains a Code of Ethics |
| Sets CPD requirements and monitors compliance | Delivers & promotes professional development activities |
| Reviews competence of social workers | Provides an online CPD Log |
| Regulates the profession to build public trust in social workers | Listings o Professional Supervisors o Social work vacancies o Social Workers in private practice o Local national & international CPD |
| Sets programme recognition standards for social work degrees | Provides professional indemnity insurance as a member benefit |
| Receives, assesses and manages complaints about registered social workers | |
| Contact details | Contact details |
| Social Workers Registration Board Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro PO Box 3452, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand Email: office@swrb.govt.nz Website: https://swrb.govt.nz/ | ANZASW Te Rōpū Kaimahi Toko i te Hāpori i Aotearoa DX Box WX33484, Christchurch, New Zealand Email: admin@anzasw.nz Website: https://anzasw.nz/ |
