Complaints

Complaints regarding the social work practice of individual members of ANZASW may be made to the Ethics Committee of ANZASW. Complaints about non-members of the Association cannot be investigated. However, suggestions will be given to the complainant regarding where any concerns may be directed. Complaints against a Registered Social Worker should be directed to the Social Workers Registration Board. 

Complaints need to be made in writing stating times, dates and issues. All relevant correspondence will be shared between the person making the complaint and the person who is the subject of the complaint. A Judicial committee has the right to apply sanctions where complaints against members are upheld. Under ANZASW rules serious breaches of the Code of Ethics or practice standards can lead to penalties or the termination of membership.

Processes used to address complaints include making written responses back to complainants, and mediation between parties if appropriate. Formal judicial procedures may eventuate if the substance of the complaint cannot be addressed satisfactorily by using less intrusive means. The process is guided by the Convenor of the Ethics committee, and decisions regarding appropriate sanctions and courses of action relating to complaints are made by the whole committee in conjunction with ANZASW's legal counsel.

Complaints should be addressed to "Convenor of Ethics Committee" and posted directly to the ANZASW National Office. All correspondence regarding a complaint should be marked confidential.

Download a copy of the Complaints Procedures Brochure here:
 ANZASW Complaints Procedures.pdf (59KB)