Irish Association of Social Workers Code Of Ethics

This document outlines the values and ethics underpinning the social work task. It offers to social workers a definition of their task and a set of principles to provide a reference point in guiding day-to-day decision making. The definition of social work is centred on the social context of people’s lives and the right of individuals to make decisions for themselves. Because social work often operates on the edge of the individual’s normal social functioning, or the limits that social systems can tolerate, there can be a tension between the social control, social care, social justice and social change functions of social work. This tension may be resolved by consideration of what is right or wrong; what is good or bad; or the impact on the individual’s happiness – all as determined by the service user, or by reference to a professional standard. Difficulties in resolving this tension may arise where a social worker has to balance the rights and needs of the service user, the sometimes contradictory rights and needs of others, the rights and duties owed to colleagues and other professionals and the limited resources available. However, any decision made must be respectful of a service user’s overriding right to know and challenge the basis on which the decision was made. It is expected, therefore, that social workers will use this Code of Ethics as a foundation on which to frame procedures guiding day-to-day practice. It is designed to be applied in working with individuals, in groups, or within communities. Similarly, in emphasising the professional nature of social work, it respects and encourages the worker’s own judgements which are a fundamental part of the social work task.