The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers recently launched a new Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which took effect on February 2026. This update affects how Social Worker Candidates develop learning agreement goals within the Candidacy Mentorship Program.
New and returning Social Worker Candidates should now create their learning agreement goals using the current Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. These goals are an important part of demonstrating how candidates are integrating professional values, ethical responsibilities, and standards into their day-to-day social work practice.
We recognize that some candidates may have already begun drafting their learning agreements using the previous code and standards. If you started your learning agreement before the Code was updated and have not yet submitted it, you have a grace period to submit it for NSCSW approval. The deadline to submit learning agreements based on the previous code and standards is August 22, 2026. All learning agreements received after that date must align to the new Code.
Candidates and mentors are encouraged to review the candidacy program resources available on the NSCSW website, including guidance related to learning agreements, reports, mentorship expectations, and learning objective examples.
Creating learning goals
Candidates work with their mentors to develop a learning agreement with goals that are directly relevant to the context of their professional practice. The process often includes consideration of the candidate’s interests and needs, as well as their ambitions for the future.
All learning goals must be connected to one or more sections of the Code. We also encourage candidates to create goals that are SMART (i.e. specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound).
These five example goals are designed to align with the NSCSW Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, ensuring members uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and social justice in their work.
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Professional Boundaries:
I will establish and maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with clients to ensure ethical, responsible, and client-centred practice. This includes defining my role and responsibilities at the outset of the professional relationship, communicating expectations transparently, and using self-disclosure only when it serves the client’s best interests. I will remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest or dual/multiple role relationships, ensuring that professional boundaries are upheld and the integrity of the client-Social Worker relationship is protected. To strengthen my practice, I will engage in regular self-reflection, seek supervision when needed, and participate in at least 10 hours of professional development focused on boundary-setting and ethical decision-making by the end of the year. By adhering to these commitments, I will uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in social work practice. This goal aligns with Value 4: Valuing Human Relationships and Value 5: Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice, including the standards within Guiding Principles 4.2, 5.3 and 5.4 of the NSCSW Standards of Practice.
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Cultural Competence:
I will enhance my cultural competence to provide inclusive, equitable, and anti-oppressive services to diverse populations. This includes actively seeking opportunities for professional development, such as completing at least 15 hours of training on cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and working with marginalized communities by the end of the year. I will integrate these principles into my practice by revising my client intake process to ensure it is culturally sensitive and by seeking feedback from clients to continuously improve. Additionally, I will remain committed to self-reflection and addressing any biases that may impact my work, ensuring that my practice aligns with the values of respect, dignity, and social justice. This goal aligns with Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People and Value 7: Providing Culturally Responsive Competent Professional Services, including the standards within Guiding Principles 7.1 and 7.2 of the NSCSW Standards of Practice.
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Advocacy and Social Justice:
I will actively engage in advocacy efforts to address systemic barriers and promote social justice for marginalized and underserved communities. By December 31, 2026, I will participate in at least one advocacy initiative, such as collaborating with community organizations, contributing to policy development, or organizing awareness campaigns. I will document my contributions and outcomes, such as increased access to resources or policy changes, and share these findings with my professional network to inspire collective action. Additionally, I will integrate advocacy into my daily practice by empowering clients to understand and exercise their rights and by addressing systemic inequities that impact their well-being. This goal aligns with Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People and Value 2: Promoting Social Justice, including the standards in Guiding Principles 1.1 and 2.1 of the NSCSW Standards of Practice.
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Professional Development:
I will commit to ongoing professional development to ensure my practice remains current, competent, and aligned with the NSCSW Standards of Practice. By the end of the year, I will complete at least 40 hours of professional development, including training in trauma-informed care, ethical decision-making, and advanced clinical skills. I will apply these learnings by incorporating trauma-informed approaches into my practice and documenting at least three case examples where I used ethical frameworks to resolve client dilemmas. Additionally, I will seek opportunities to share my knowledge with colleagues through case consultations or team discussions, fostering a culture of continuous learning. This goal aligns with Value 5: Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice and Value 7: Providing Culturally Responsive Competent Professional Services, including Guiding Principle 7.1 of the NSCSW Standards of Practice and Guiding Principle 7.4 of the Standards of Practice for Clinical Specialists.
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Client-Centred Practice:
I will ensure that my practice remains client-centred by fostering respectful, collaborative, and empowering relationships with clients. This includes regularly seeking client feedback to improve service delivery and revising my processes to better meet their needs. By September 30, 2026, I will update all client consent forms to ensure they meet the NSCSW Standards of Practice for informed consent and conduct a review with at least 10 clients to confirm their understanding of the consent process. Additionally, I will implement a system for ongoing client feedback to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery. This goal aligns with Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People and Value 4: Valuing Human Relationships, including Guiding Principle 1.8 of the NSCSW Standards of Practice and Standard 4.2.4 of the Standards of Practice for Clinical Specialists.
Stay connected
If mentors or Social Worker Candidates have questions about this transition or their learning agreement, please contact the Associate Registrar, Kyiaisha Benton, at [email protected].