There is a section of the nasw code of ethics that addresses research and evaluation.

The first version of the NASW code of ethics, published in 1960, states that social workers are “dedicated to service for the welfare of mankind” and should “promote the well-being of all without discrimination.” These basic tenants hold true today, but the code has since evolved from a one-page document into a robust guide of professional conduct that outlines core values, ethical principles and ethical standards to guide social workers and the social work profession.

The most recent revisions to the code of ethics were published in early 2018. These changes primarily address advances in technology that have occurred over the past 20 years and their implications for ethical practice, including new forms of communication and relationship building.

The following is an outline of the six core values on which the code of ethics is based and associated broad ethical principles social workers should use as a guide in their work. It is paraphrased from the NASW Code of Ethics. You can find this and the current full code of ethics on the NASW website.

Six core values of the social work profession

1. Service
2. Social justice
3. Dignity and worth of the person
4. Importance of human relationships
5. Integrity
6. Competence

Ethical principles based on social work core values

Service

Ethical principle: Serve people in need and work to address social problems.

Social justice

Ethical principle: Challenge social injustice and work for social change on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed people.

Dignity and worth of the person

Ethical principle: Be respectful of every person and mindful of cultural and ethnic diversity.

Importance of human relationships

Ethical principle: Recognize and value the importance of human relationships, and work to strengthen these relationships in order to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.

Integrity

Ethical principle: Be trustworthy and uphold the profession's mission, values, ethical principles and ethical standards.

Competence

Ethical principle: Practice within areas of competence, continuously develop professional knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the knowledge of the profession.

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The Code of Ethics of the AASW, expresses the values and responsibilities that are integral to and characterise the social work profession. It is intended to assist all social workers, collectively and individually, to act in ethically accountable ways, in the pursuit of the profession’s aims.

Download the AASW Code of Ethics 2020

AASW Code of Ethics 2020 Information Webinar

The Code of Ethics Information Webinar took place on Thursday 10 December 2020. This webinar was an opportunity to hear from members of the Code of Ethics Expert Advisory Panel about their review of the Code of Ethics 2020 and participate in a Q&A session. The panel for this webinar included:

• Brooke Kooymans - Board Director and Chair – National Ethics Committee
• Dr Richard Hugman - Code of Ethics Expert Advisory Panel
• Ms Sue Vardon AO - Code of Ethics Expert Advisory Panel
• Dr Sofie Fabre - AASW - Manager, Professional Standards and Assessments

The Code of Ethics Expert Advisory Panel contributed to the review of the Code of Ethics 2020, which was presented at the 2020 Annual General Meeting and is now accessible here.

A recording of the webinar can be found below: