Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct covers the minimum professional standards of behaviour, integrity and conduct that apply to Registered Social Workers and that should apply generally in the social work profession.

You can download the Code of Conduct here (PDF, 244Kb).

The Social Workers Registration Board issues this Code in accordance with section 105 of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003.

The Code of Conduct guidelines support the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Social Workers.

You can download the guidelines here (PDF, 508Kb).

Under the Code, social workers are expected to:

• uphold high standards of personal conduct and act with integrity
• provide services at a competent level of professional practice
• respect and uphold the civil, legal and human rights of clients.

These minimum standards operate in a broader context that includes:

• other relevant legislation
• the Treaty of Waitangi
• international standards and conventions including the International Federation of Social Workers Code of Ethics
• the Code of Ethics which includes the Bicultural Code of Practice published by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
• the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights
• other professional and employer codes of ethics practice and conduct.

The SWRB recognises that no code can prescribe, in detail, every behaviour expected of a professional social worker. In addition to interpreting the Code in the wider context noted above, this Code must be interpreted taking account of the balance of responsibilities between employers and their professional staff. The Code must also be interpreted in the context of an individual circumstance. ‘Client’ may refer to an individual adult or child, a family, whanau or aiga, a group, an organisation or part of an organisation.

Updates

The Code of Conduct and guidelines may be updated by the SWRB from time to time to ensure their ongoing relevance, and to reflect issues that arise in practice. The SWRB has sought suggested additions or improvements to the guidelines by writing to a range of organisations and individuals to ensure they are aware of the guidelines and to invite any suggestions they may have.