We published guidance for social workers in October which remains relevant. See Guidance for social workers on social media and Covid-19 vaccination messages.
Since that time we have continued to receive questions from social workers, in particular about mandatory vaccination for the health and disability sector, and for the workforce providing other public services.
As the regulatory body, SWRB does not require all social workers to be vaccinated at this time. However, social workers must follow the law (including public health directives) and are bound by their employment contracts and employment requirements.
We encourage social workers to read the guidance provided by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. See COVID-19 (anzasw.nz)
We also encourage social workers to read the Ministry of Health guidance relating to mandatory vaccination. See: COVID-19: Mandatory vaccinations
Social workers with concerns about the vaccination requirements of their workplace should address these to their employer. For those who are self-employed, it is important to follow the guidance from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health guidance covers mandatory vaccination information for the education sector and corrections sector as well as the health and disability sector.
Registration with the SWRB is not affected by vaccination and employment status. However, we remind social workers of our Code of Conduct which covers the professional standards of behaviour, integrity and conduct that apply to registered social workers.
16 November 2021