New legislation recognises mana of social work profession

The new Social Workers Registration Act recognises the value and mana of the social work profession says Sarah Clark, Chief Executive for the Social Workers Registration Board: Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro (SWRB).

“We’re delighted to see the new Social Workers Registration Act pass through the house and are really pleased with its dual intent – to protect the public and to lift the standing of the social work profession.”

“Making social worker registration mandatory is something we have wanted to see for some time, so we are pleased to see it come to fruition.”

Ms Clark says SWRB believes that mandatory registration is vital for building the standard of the profession and being able to provide the public with assurances around social work quality and accountability.

“We recognise the work the Minister has done to understand the concerns of the sector and we’ve valued the opportunity to work collaboratively with the sector to address the concerns and see that reflected in this legislation.”

Ms Clark says the move to compulsory registration will help to increase the trust and transparency within the sector, it will ensure public safety and will put social work on an equal footing with other similar professions.

She says the new legislation provides both huge opportunities as well as some challenges for the SWRB.

“We’re going to take a staged approach to implementation and renewing/developing policies – and will be working with the sector on this.”