27 September 2005

Social Workers Celebrate Special Day

New Zealand social workers celebrate National Social Work Day throughout the country on Wednesday 28 September. This is the second year to remember a group of people that the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) feel is long overdue.

"We promote and encourage high standards of practice and professional conduct among registered social workers," said SWRB Chief Executive Sean McKinley. "And part of that is also acknowledging all their hard work and valuing their contribution by celebrating with them during National Social Work Day."

John Davis, a social worker in the Northern Region says, "You only hear about social workers when a newspaper reports on something that's gone wrong. I never set out to work in social work, though when I look back I was brought up where helping others was a normal thing to do. You realise this is a real thing," he said.

Activities being held throughout the country to commemorate National Social Work Day include seminars, panel speakers and networking opportunities.

"This is a day when social workers can take the opportunity to pay tribute to their achievements and congratulate themselves, and each other for their huge, and often forgotten, involvement in our communities," said Sean McKinley.

General Information - Social Workers Registration Board

Formed in November 2003, the Social Workers Registration Board was established under the Social Workers Registration Act 2003. It is responsible for setting up the standards for registration of New Zealand and overseas-qualified Social Workers, establishing the policies and procedures for complaints and discipline, setting up the registration database, and developing a code of conduct.

The Board has also established the Complaints and Discipline Tribunal. The Chair of the Tribunal will appoint Complaints Assessment Committees in consultation with the Board in relation to particular cases when required. The Code of Conduct was launched on 25 August 2005.

For further information visit www.swrb.org.nz

ENDS

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