Code of Ethics

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Preamble
 
• Philosophy
• Purpose
• Accountability
• Social Worker Declaration
• Commentary
 
• Primary Professional Obligation
• Integrity
• Competence and Quality of Service
• Social Worker-Client Relationship
• Confidential Information
• Outside Interests and the Practice of Social Work
• Responsibility to the Workplace
• Responsibility to the Profession
• Responsibility to Society

Preamble

Philosophy:

The profession of social work is founded on humanitarian and egalitarian ideals. Social workers believe in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being and are committed to the values of acceptance, self-determination and respect of individuality. They believe in the obligation of all people, individually and collectively, to provide resources, services and opportunities for the overall benefit of humanity.

Social workers are dedicated to the welfare and self-realisation of human beings; to the development and disciplined use of scientific knowledge regarding human and societal behaviours; to the development of resources to meet individual, group, national and international needs and aspirations; and to the achievement of social justice for all.

Social workers are pledged to serve without discrimination on any grounds of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, economic status, political affiliation or national ancestry.

Purpose:

Social work is a profession committed to the goal of effecting social changes in society and the ways in which individuals develop within their society, for the benefit of both. Advancement toward this purpose is achieved through the complementarity of social reform and therapeutic approaches premised in the belief that social conditions of humanity can be bettered.

The practice of social work has a primary focus on patterns of psychosocial relationships between people and the socio-economic resources, services and opportunities of their respective societies. The functions of social work include helping people to develop individual and collective social problem-solving skills; enhancing self-determination and the adaptive and developmental capacities of people; advocating, promoting and acting to obtain a socially just distribution of societal resources; and facilitating social connections between people and their societal resources.

Accountability:

Social workers are accountable to the people they serve, to their profession and to society. This accountability is achieved by adherence to the philosophy, purpose and standard of practice determined by the profession.

Failure to fulfill the obligation of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary procedures and appropriate consequences under the statutory or non-statutory authority of a recognised regulatory body.

Social Worker Declaration

As a member of the profession of social work I commit myself to fulfill to the best of my ability the following obligations:

1. I will regard the well-being of the persons I serve as my primary professional obligation.
2. I will fulfill my obligations and responsibilities with integrity.
3. I will be competent in the performance of the services and functions I undertake on behalf of the persons I serve.
4. I will act in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner.
5. I will respect the intrinsic worth of persons I serve in my professional relationships with them.
6. I will protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information. I will disclose such information only when properly authorised or when obligated legally or professionally to do so.
7. I will ensure that outside interests do not jeopardise my professional judgement. independence or competence.
8. I will work for the creation and maintenance of workplace conditions and policies consistent with the standard of practice set by this Code.
9. I will act to promote excellence in the social work profession.
10. I will act to effect social change for the overall benefit of humanity.

Commentary

Primary Professional Obligation

1. I will regard the well-being of the persons I serve as my primary professional obligation.

Commentary

1.1 This declaration is fundamental and self-explanatory. All subsequent declarations are intended to aid the social worker in maintaining a reasonable standard of practice.

1.2 The social worker will be able to apply the practice values of acceptance, self-determination and individuality without being discriminatory on any grounds of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, socio-economic status, political affiliation or national ancestry.

1.3 Client (persons served) shall mean the individuals, families, social groups, organisations and communities who have contractual agreements (written or unwritten) with the social worker for the purpose of trying to achieve a specified psychosocial outcome(s).

Integrity

2. I will fulfill my obligations and responsibilities with integrity.

Commentary

2.1 The social worker will possess reasonable moral principles especially in relation to truth and fair dealing and have personal qualities of honesty and sincerity.

2.2 Integrity is the foundation of social work practice and therefore underlies each ethical declaration.

2.3 The social worker will identify and describe education, training, experience, professional affiliations, competence, nature of service, and actions in an honest and accurate manner.

2.3.1 Educational degrees will be cited only when they have been received from an accredited institution of higher education.

2.3.2 No person shall claim formal social work education/ training solely by attending a lecture, demonstration, conference, panel discussion, workshop, seminar or other similar teaching presentation, unless such activities are designated by a recognised unit of an institution of higher education as a formal part of its social work education program.

2.3.3 The social worker will not make a false, misleading or exaggerated claim of efficacy regarding past or anticipated achievement, with respect to clients, scholarly pursuits or contributions to society.

2.3.4 The social worker will take reasonable care to distinguish between public statements and actions made as a private citizen and as a representative of the social work profession, workplace organisation or specific membership group.

2.4 If a conflict arises in professional practice, the standards declared in this Code take precedence. Conflicts of interest may occur because of demands from the general public, workplace, organisations or clients. In all cases, if the declarations of this Code would be compromised, the social worker must act in a manner consistent with the standard of practice set by this Code.

2.5 The social worker is expected to observe the declarations of this Code in spirit as well as to the letter. Therefore, it is expected that a social worker will report to the appropriate regulatory body any instance involving or appearing to involve a breach of conduct set out in this Code. In all cases a report should be made in good faith, without malice or prejudice.

2.6 The social worker’s private life is a personal matter to the same degree as it is for any other citizen, except as it may compromise the fulfilment of professional responsibilities, or reduce the public trust in social work and social workers. If the behaviour would likely constitute conduct unbecoming a professional social worker, the regulatory body will consider a complaint and take appropriate action.

2.7 It is noted that this Code is not meant to imply a standard of perfection. Even though some practice behaviours might be actionable under law, the consequences of same would not necessarily constitute a failure to maintain the standard set by this Code. However, evidence of gross neglect in a particular matter or a pattern of neglect or mistakes may be evidence of such failure regardless of civil or criminal liability.

Competence and Quality of Service

3. I will be competent in the performance of the services and functions I undertake on behalf of the persons I serve.

4. I will act in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner.

Commentary

3.1 Competence goes beyond formal qualifications. The social worker will make reasonable and continuous efforts to upgrade and use effectively the values, knowledge and skills of professional practice.

3.2 The social worker will not undertake a matter of professional practice unless there is an honest belief in the competence to handle it. If sufficient ability cannot be attained without undue delay, risk or expense to the client, the social worker should either decline to act or obtain the client's consent to consult or collaborate with, or refer to, a social worker or other professional who is competent on that matter.

The above is not to be construed to mean that a social worker, when lacking specialised ability, will decline to make a reasonable response to a request for help or to work co-operatively with others when there is no one with the required competence available to those requesting the help.

3.3 The social worker will recognise that sufficient ability for a particular task may require advice from or collaboration with (experts in) other professional disciplines and will seek client agreement to work in these collaborative situations.

3.4 The social worker will recognise that personal problems and conflicts may interfere with professional effectiveness. Reasonable health and well-being will be maintained by the social worker as a recognised component of competent practice. If personal problems occur, reasonable care will be taken by the social worker to determine whether professional activities should be suspended, terminated or limited.

3.5 The social worker will provide a quality of service which is at least equal to the standard of practice one would expect to receive in a like situation.

3.6 The social worker will have adequate knowledge and abilities to meet standard of practice requirements:

3.6.1 Knowledge and understanding of human development and functioning; cultural and environmental factors affecting human life and the patterns of social interactions contributing to the interdependence of human behaviour.

3.6.2 Knowledge of social institutions, social welfare, and social work as a distinct professional discipline.

3.6.3 Knowledge of interpersonal communication, including forms of, message patterns and interviewing processes.

3.6.4 Knowledge of social work intervention methods, individual and social change strategies, and social networks and resources.

3.6.5 Knowledge of formal organisations, including structures, goals, power relations, teamwork and administration.

3.6.6 Knowledge of social policy and relevant law, including administrative and legal processes.

3.6.7 Knowledge of professional ethics.

3.6.8 Knowledge of the limited reasons for terminating services:

• loss of a client's confidence;
• prolonged failure of services to benefit the client;
• further intervention unnecessary;
• service offered or requested is unethical or criminal in nature.

3.6.9 Ability to use interpersonal interviewing skills to provide clear explanations of professional and workplace roles; to establish the expectation of mutual participation in the change process; to clarify the need to gather sufficient and appropriate information for understanding and assessment; to determine competence to consent; to implement the requirement of informed consent; to determine what must be disclosed to clients with respect to assessments, the nature of the helping process, alternative modes of intervention and innovative intervention possibilities.

3.6.10 Ability to facilitate termination of services or referral to others in an orderly manner with a minimum amount of expense and other inconvenience to the client.

3.6.11 Ability to keep clients informed of all relevant commitments and possible implications of their situation.

3.6.12 Ability to notify a client within a reasonable interval when unable to meet a request.

3.6.13 Ability to make a prompt and reasonable report when required.

3.6.14 Ability to keep appointments with clients and answer all verbal and written communications in a reasonable time.

3.6.15 Ability to arrange adequate coverage of work in times of absence.

3.6.16 Ability to constructively contribute to the retention of support staff and to the maintenance of workplace facilities.

3.6.17 Ability to respond reasonably to client dissatisfaction, early and directly.

3.6.18 Ability to use consultation and supervision in the management of the professional relationship and the application of practice methods.

Social Worker-Client Relationship

5. I will respect the intrinsic worth of persons I serve in my professional relationships with them.

Commentary

5.1 The social worker will respect the intrinsic worth of clients and act to ensure through reasonable advocacy and other intervention activities that dignity, individuality and rights of persons are safeguarded.

5.2 The social worker will be trustworthy and possess the necessary values to demonstrate primary respect for the intrinsic worth of individuals.

5.3 The central focus of practice, within a professional relationship, will be based on voluntary (and under some circumstances, involuntary) mutual agreements between the social worker and client. The social worker will maintain a reasonable level of objective self-awareness in order to appropriately manage personal needs, feelings, values and limitations in the context of a professional relationship, the planned changed process and the intended outcomes. This means the social worker may need to reasonably self-disclose to the client. This is advisable in order to appropriately manage (these personal needs and beliefs in the context of) social work practice.

5.4 The social worker will respect client motivation, capacity and opportunity for change at all times during the planned change process and use this knowledge appropriately to facilitate the attainment of intended outcomes.

5.5 The social worker's professional relationship with voluntary and involuntary clients will be developed on the principle of mutuality. This means that the helping process, where feasible, will involve shared control responsibilities between the client and the social worker toward the achievement of agreed to or acknowledged outcome goals. In the case of the involuntary client, mutual agreements may not exist at the outset of the relationship but the social worker's reasonable adherence to this principle is expected. Where the client is defined by statutory legislation, or where the rights of the community and others to protection are paramount and may be harmed by adherence to the principle, the latter may need to be modified or disregarded. The social worker will take care to reasonably manage all parameters of authority involved in social control responsibilities and act to protect clients from undue influence and abusive use of power or expert position. When it is apparent that clients, voluntary or involuntary, have misunderstood the achieved or intended interdependence of the professional relationship, the social worker will explain and renegotiate so that the client is fully advised of and encouraged to participate in an atmosphere of mutuality.

5.6 The social worker will act to ensure that the difference between professional and personal relationships with clients is explicitly understood and respected, and that the social worker's behaviour is appropriate to this difference. Sexual intimacy with a client is unethical.

5.7 The social worker will not exploit relationships with clients, supervisors, students, employees or research participants sexually or otherwise. The social worker will not condone nor engage in sexual harassment.

Confidential Information

6. I will protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information. I will disclose such information only when properly authorised or obligated legally or professionally to do so.

Commentary

Confidentiality means that information received or observed about a client by a social worker will be held in confidence and disclosed only when the social worker will be held in confidence and disclosed only when the social worker is properly authorised or obligated legally or professionally to do so. This also means that professionally acquired information may be treated as privileged communication and ordinarily only the client has the right to waive privilege.

Maintaining confidentiality of privileged communication means that information about clients does not have to be transmitted in any oral, written or recorded form. Such information, for example, does not have to be disclosed to a supervisor, written into a workplace record, stored in a computer or microfilm data base, held on an audio or videotape or discussed orally. The right of privileged communication is respected by the social worker in the practice of social work notwithstanding that this right is not ordinarily granted in law.

The disclosure of confidential information in social work practice involves the obligation to share information professionally with others in the workplace of the social worker as part of a reasonable service to the client. Social workers recognise the need to obtain permission from clients before releasing information about them to sources outside their workplace and to inform clients at the outset of their relationship that some information acquired may be shared with the officers and personnel of the agency who maintain the case record and who have a reasonable need for the information in the performance of their duties.

6.1 The social worker will take reasonable care to keep confidential all information learned and observations made regarding clients served. This requirement of confidentiality also applies to supervisory, administrative and other indirect service personnel who work with employees, students, community groups and others.

6.2 The social worker will respect the inner workings and difficulties of a workplace setting; however, where there are circumstances which are contrary to the best interests of the client, the social worker has a responsibility to seek reasonable changes in those circumstances.

6.3 The social worker, in a workplace setting, may disclose information to persons who, by virtue of their responsibilities, have an identified need to know. Such persons may include other social workers, supervisors, administrators, members of other disciplines, volunteers (and their parent organisation), agency support staff, computer and data processing personnel, consultants, agency legal counsel, persons involved with peer review and accountability mechanisms, accrediting and licensing authorities, third party funding resources and researchers.

6.3.1 Workplace settings should have confidentiality policies which spell out clearly who does and does not have access to what kinds of information and why the information is needed, especially information of an identifying nature. Those employees having even limited access to confidential information should receive formal orientation on the principles of confidentiality and- related personnel policies when first hired.

6.4 Receiving information.

6.4.1 Clients will be the primary source of information about themselves and their problems. Exceptions to this occur when the client is incapable of giving reliable information or when corroborative reporting is required as in the preparation of a community study, the assessment of mental illness or the investigation of criminal behaviour (probation, parole, corrections, forensic work).

6.4.2 The social worker has the obligation to ensure that the client understands what is being asked, why, and to what purpose the information will be used. Generally, persons seeking social services go to an agency, not an individual social worker; therefore, in addition to ensuring that the client understands professional practice policies on confidentiality, the social worker should reasonably ascertain that the client also understands the confidentiality policies and practices of the workplace setting.

6.4.3 Where information is required by law, the social worker will help the client understand the consequences, if any, of refusing to provide the required information.

6.4.4 When information is required from other sources, the social worker will make a reasonable effort to explain this to the client, decide with the client what other sources are to be used and seek agreement on the method of obtaining the needed information.

6.4.5 The social worker will take reasonable care to safeguard personal papers or other property belonging to the client if they need to be held for safekeeping.

6.5 Recording Information

6.5.1 The social worker will ensure that all information recorded is either relevant

to the solution of the client(s) problems or is needed for others within the workplace setting who have a need to know the information in the performance of their duties.

6.5.2 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to avoid recording information that would be against the best interests of the client should the case record be subpoenaed or seen by the client, and will promote the adoption of workplace procedures concerning the kind of information which does not belong in case records.

6.5.3 The social worker will include preliminary assessments, intervention plans and social change strategies as part of a permanent record only for purposes of monitoring implementation of, progress toward and response(s) to planned interventions.

6.5.4 The social worker must obtain informed consent or be reasonably satisfied of the client's incompetence to consent when it is proposed to use any electronic method of recording actual work being done with the client.

6.6 Accessibility to Records

6.6.1 The case record itself is the property of the self-employed social worker or the employer of social workers and is, unless otherwise dictated by statute, the responsibility of the social worker or employer and subject to their control.

6.6.2 The social worker will respect the client's general right to know and will allow reasonable periodic opportunity to check the accuracy of all information that is recorded as fact and contained in the permanent case record of an agency. In circumstances where client access to information contained in the record is dictated by statute, the law prescribes what access may or may not be permitted.

6.6.3 The client's general access to information contained in the case record may be refused for just and reasonable causes: for example, when the work involves different members of a family, group or community and unrestricted access to the agency record could mean divulging personal confidences of others or when recorded language could be misunderstood and prejudicial to one of the members. In such instances the social worker will only allow individuals to check the accuracy of information pertaining to themselves.

6.7 Disclosure

6.7.1 The social worker will not disclose the identity of persons who have sought a social work service or disclose sources of information about clients unless compelled legally or professionally to do so.

6.7.2 The obligation to maintain confidentiality continues indefinitely after the social worker has ceased contact with persons served.

6.7.3 The social worker will avoid unnecessary conversation regarding clients and their affairs, as matters overheard by persons without an official need to know may prove to be detrimental to the overall well-being of those being served.

6.7.4 The social worker may divulge confidential information with consent of the client, preferably expressed in writing.

6.7.5 The social worker will transfer information to another agency or individual, only with the informed consent of the client or guardian of the client and then only with reasonable assurance that the receiving agency provides the same guarantee of confidentiality and respect for the right of privileged communication as provided by the sending agency.

6.7.6 Disclosure of confidential information required by law or the policies of the workplace will be explained to the client, where reasonably possible, before such disclosure is made.

6.7.7 The social worker in practice with groups and communities of people will notify the participants of the likelihood that aspects of their private lives may be revealed in the course of their work together, and therefore require a commitment from each member to respect the privileged and confidential nature of the communication between and among members of the client groups(s).

6.7.8 The social worker in practice with families must safeguard the rights to privilege and confidentiality of information acquired concerning individuals in the couple or in the family. Disclosure of information that one client has requested be kept confidential from his or her partner will not be made without the informed consent of the person providing the confidential information. When one person provides consent to the release of confidential records or information, the social worker may release only information about the consenting person and must protect the confidentiality of all information derived from the. non-consenting person(s).

6.7.9 Disclosure of information by the social worker may be justified to defend oneself, colleagues or employees against formal allegations of conduct unbecoming a professional, including malpractice and negligence, or to collect fees. However, such disclosure must occur only to the extent necessary for such purposes.

6.7.10 Disclosure of information necessary to prevent a crime, to prevent clients doing harm to themselves or to others is justified. Such disclosure should be made with reasonable care and with the client's knowledge, unless informing the client would impede the due process of law or violate the duty to warn others. The discharge of this duty requires the social worker to take steps including, but not limited to, warning the intended victim or others who would likely apprise the victim of the danger, notifying the police, or taking whatever other steps are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

6.7.11 When disclosure is required by order of a court, the social worker should not divulge more information than is reasonably required and should where possible notify the client of this requirement. In cases in which a subpoena is served to obtain confidential information about a client, the social worker should attempt to protect the client's right to privileged communication. When such privilege is not clearly recognised, the social worker should obtain legal counsel and assert the claim of privilege that belongs to a client.

6.7.12 The social worker must take reasonable care to thoroughly disguise confidential information when using it for teaching, public education, accountability and research purposes. When a client is presented to a scientific gathering, the social worker must obtain prior consent and prior confirmation that the confidentiality of the presentation is understood and accepted by the audience. The social worker may present a client or former client to a public gathering or to the news media only if that client is fully informed of the loss of confidentiality, is competent to consent, and consents in .writing without coercion.

6.8 Retention and Disposition of Information

6.8.1 The social worker will promote the adoption of policies and procedures concerning retention and disposition that will physically safeguard case records and personnel files against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which would result in substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience or unfairness to any individual on whom information is maintained.

6.8.2 The social worker will not use case records and personnel files and the information contained in them for any purpose that is not consistent with the standard of practice set by this Code.

6.8.3 Where the social worker's documentation becomes part of the workplace’s permanent record, retention or destruction of such records must be done in accordance with workplace policies which are consistent with the standard of practice set by this Code.

Outside Interests and the Practice of Social Work

7. I will ensure that outside interests do not jeopardise my professional judgement, independence or competence.

Commentary

7.1 When participating in outside interests, the capacity in which the social worker is acting must be made clear.

7.2 The commitment to professional values does not exclude the social worker from participating in outside interests such as politics, another profession, occupation or business enterprise. The term "outside interests" covers the widest possible range and includes activities which may and may not overlap with the practice of social work.

7.3 Ethical considerations will usually not arise from outside interests unless the conduct is unbecoming and brings the social worker or the profession into disrepute, impairs competence or constitutes malpractice.

7.4 Whenever an outside interest might influence the social workers judgement, the nature of the conflict should be disclosed and explained to the client and to the employer.

Responsibility to the Workplace

8. I will work for the creation and maintenance of workplace conditions and policies which are consistent with the standard of practice set by this Code.

Commentary

8.1 The social worker is accountable and responsible to the employer for the efficient performance of duties.

8.2 At times the responsibilities to the employer and the client may be in conflict and the social worker will bring this situation to the attention of the employer. In some instances it may be necessary to consult and enlist the support of professional colleagues and associations in an attempt to safeguard client rights and promote changes in the procedures of the agency which will be consistent with the values and obligations of this Code. It may be required of the social worker to subordinate the employees interests to the interests of the client. If these alternatives fail it may be necessary in extreme circumstances for the social worker to resign from that employment. In such cases the social worker should inform the regulatory authority governing the practice of social work.

8.3 The social worker who has the responsibility for employing and evaluating the performance of other staff members will fulfill such responsibility in a fair, considerate and equitable manner on the basis of a clearly enunciated criteria.

8.4 The social worker who has the responsibility for evaluating the performance of employees, supervisees or students will share evaluations with them.

8.5 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the employing organisation's work assignments and in its employment policies and practices.

8.6 The social worker will use with scrupulous regard, and only for the purpose for which they are intended. the resources of the employing organisation.

8.7 The social worker who is responsible for the administration and supervision of personnel will make reasonable efforts to promote written policies and procedures concerning the confidentiality of personnel records which will protect data on personnel as fully as possible under current ethical and legal guidelines.

8.8 As a teacher, the social worker will promote the adoption of reasonable policies and procedures in the workplace and academic institutions concerning confidentiality guidelines for students who take recorded material from the field into the classroom.

8.9 As a teacher, the social worker is aware that personal values may affect the selection and presentation of instructional materials. When dealing with topics that give conflicting ideas, styles and perspectives, the social worker will make reasonable efforts to recognise and respect the diverse critical and analytical attitudes that students may have toward such materials.

8.10 As a teacher, the social worker will take reasonable actions to ensure that statements in course outlines are accurate and not misleading, particularly in terms of subject matter to be covered, basis for evaluating progress and the nature of course experiences.

8.1.1 As a teacher, the social worker assigned to teach practicum/field practice courses will assume responsibility and accountability for the services provided by a student.

8.12 Responsibility for the total operation of private practice will be assumed by the self-employed social worker.

8.13 The self-employed social worker will disclose to the client at the outset of their relationship the fee schedule and charge fees that are reasonable and reflect the customary charges of other practitioners of similar standing in the locality in like matters and circumstances.

8.14 The self-employed social worker may properly make social work services available by charging a reduced fee or no fee at all to a client(s) who would have difficulty in paying the fee.

8.15 The self-employed social worker who is also employed in an agency or organisation shall communicate fully and completely all intentions and activities to the employer. A detailed written agreement between the employer and the self-employed social worker should be completed with regard to such things as use of office space and other facilities. Reasonable caution must be taken to ensure that there is a clear distinction between referrals to the employing organisation and to the private practitioner.

8.16 The self-employed social worker will carry adequate malpractice, defamation and premises liability insurance.

8.17 The self-employed social worker and client will agree to an initial contract, preferably in writing. Conditions of the contract should be clear and explicit with respect to fees, length, frequency and location of meetings, penalties for appointments missed or cancelled without adequate notice, and vacation coverage during an absence.

8.18 The self-employed social worker’s bill will reflect only services actually rendered and reasonable penalties for appointments missed or cancelled without adequate notice from the client.

Responsibility to the Profession

9. I will act to promote excellence in the social work profession.

Commentary

9.1 The social worker will contribute reasonable time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the utility, the integrity and the competence of the work profession.

9.2 The social worker will protect and enhance the dignity and integrity of the profession and will be responsible and vigorous in discussion and criticism of the profession.

9.3 The social worker will take reasonable action against unethical conduct by any other member of the profession.

9.4 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to prevent the unauthorised and unqualified practice of social work.

9.5 The social worker will treat with respect and represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views and findings of colleagues, and use appropriate channels to express judgements on these matters, confining such comments to matters of fact and matters of their own knowledge.

9.6 The social worker will not solicit the clients of colleagues.

9.7 The social worker will not assume professional responsibility for the clients of another agency or a colleague without appropriate communication with that agency or colleague and consent of the client.

9.8 The social worker who serves the clients of colleagues during a temporary absence or emergency will serve those clients with the same consideration as that afforded any client.

9.9 The social worker who replaces or is replaced by a colleague in professional practice will act with consideration for the interest, character and reputation of that colleague.

9.10 The social worker will not exploit a dispute between a colleague and employer to obtain a position or otherwise advance the social worker’s own interests.

9.11 The social worker will seek arbitration or mediation when conflicts with colleagues require resolution for compelling professional reasons.

9.12 The social worker will extend to colleagues of other professions reasonable respect and Cupertino.

9.13 The social worker engaged in research will ascertain that the consent of participants in the research is voluntary and informed, without any implied deprivations or penalty for refusal to participate, and with due regard for participants' privacy and dignity.

9.14 The social worker engaged in research will take reasonable actions to protect participants from unwarranted physical or mental discomfort, distress, harm, danger or deprivation.

9.15 The social worker will take credit only for work actually done in connection with scholarly and research endeavours, and will credit contributions by others.

9.16 The social worker is responsible for participation in reasonable periodic continuing education activities and is committed to a lifetime of learning.

Responsibility to Society

10. I will act to effect social change for the overall benefit of humanity.

Commentary

10.1 The social worker will take reasonable actions to prevent and eliminate discrimination against any person or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, socio-economic status, political affiliation, national ancestry or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition or status.

10.2 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to advocate for the equitable distribution of societal resources and act to ensure that all persons have reasonable access to the resources, services and opportunities which they require.

10.3 The social worker will take reasonable actions to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, with special regard to disadvantaged or oppressed groups and persons.

10.4 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to promote conditions that encourage respect for the diversity of cultures which constitute society.

10.5 The social worker will provide reasonable professional services in public emergencies.

10.6 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions and to promote social justice.

10.7 The social worker will make reasonable efforts to encourage informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions.