NSCSW Strategic Plan: Navigating towards safe(R) social work practice

From 2018-2023, our first five-year strategic plan (Our Foundation for Growth) helped guide the profession of social work in Nova Scotia and strengthen the College’s voice for social workers and social justice. As the period for that plan came to an end, the College reviewed internal reports and invited feedback to help evaluate the success of the original strategic plan, and priorities for a new plan to guide our efforts over the next few years.

The NSCSW Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 was presented to members at the Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2024. Shortly thereafter, in March 2026, the government announced the repeal of the Social Workers Act, transitioning the regulation of social work under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).

In our pursuit of safer social work practice, it is vital to understand that safety is a dynamic social construct with varied implications for Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable citizens and the dedicated social workers who serve them. Achieving safer practice requires advocating for social policies that enhance community well-being, addressing structural injustices, and upholding principles of reconciliation and reparation. Ethical praxis also demands that social workers confront unconscious bias and vicarious trauma in their professional roles.

Our Commitments

Strengthen Regulatory Mandate & Renewal of the Governance Framework

We are committed to creating a robust regulatory framework under the RHPA that meets the needs of vulnerable populations served by social workers.

Outcomes:

  • Collaborate with the Department of Health and Wellness to integrate social work regulation within the broader framework of the RHPA.
  • Promote and amplify the EDIRA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility) framework for social work regulation to ensure a collaborative partnership with the Department of Health and Wellness.
  • Ensure the governance framework under the RHPA recognizes reconciliation and reparations as a structural issue requiring significant systemic changes.
  • Collaborate with the DHW to ensure that the principles of EDIRA governance are embedded within the creation and framework of social work regulation under the RHPA.
  • Evaluate the clinical specialization regulatory framework and prepare for legislative changes.
  • Develop a scope for paraprofessional for social work, and determine a registration criterion.
  • Update branding and the website to align with the principles of EDIRA governance within social work regulation.

Cultivate Ethical Social Work Practice Towards Safe(R) Services

We aim to foster a culture of well-being within the NSCSW and work towards creating safer systems for social workers and the communities they serve.

Outcomes:

  • Establish a new Association of Social Workers to effectively partner with the Nova Scotia social work regulator in advocating for social policies that improve social conditions and advance social justice.
  • Complete core activities under the Safe(r) Social Work Framework, including developing the scope and competencies for healthcare social work, establishing standards and competencies for child and family well-being social workers, and finalizing assigned guidelines and professional development offerings.
  • Revitalize the Candidacy Mentorship Program to better support and assess emerging social workers in developing ethical and safe practices.

Meaningful Dialogue

We are dedicated to fostering meaningful and ongoing dialogue with the public to ensure safety in the delivery of social work services.

Outcomes:

  • Strengthen relationships with key collaborators and partners to enhance safe(r) in the delivery of social work.
  • Develop and implement a strategy for active engagement with employers in the social work sector to promote safe(r) social work services.
  • Actively engage with marginalized communities to understand their unique needs and challenges, ensuring that social work services are inclusive and safe.

Responsibility, Accountability & Transparency

We pledge to uphold responsibility, accountability, and transparency in all our operations.

Outcomes:

  • Build greater trust among vulnerable Nova Scotians by demonstrating transparency, accountability, and a commitment to their well-being.
  • Demonstrate accountability as a regulatory body by regularly communicating with members about our core mandate and progress in achieving the Standards of Good Regulation, fostering transparency and trust.
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