As the regulatory body for social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College has a responsibility to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. The College fulfills its mandate by:
- Regulating the practice of social work and social service work and governing its members.
- Setting entry-to-practice requirements to ensure that only those with specialized educational qualifications are eligible for registration.
- Setting, maintaining and ensuring that all members follow the Standards of Practice.
- Requiring members to engage in ongoing learning through the Continuing Competence Program (CCP).
- Maintaining rigorous complaints and discipline processes.
The fee increase is reflective of a number of changes in the environment and variables affecting the College, as well as carefully-considered decisions approved by Council regarding the draw on the reserve fund and the need to return to a balanced budget. Self-regulation is a privilege, the cost of which must be covered entirely through member fees.
Annual Fee Increase for 2019
After careful consideration, the College Council approved an increase of $20 to the general annual fee for 2019.
The 2019 annual fees are as follows:
| Annual fee for a general class certificate of registration | $330 |
| Registration fee for new members in the general class of certificate of registration | $330 + $100 application fee |
| New graduate registration fee* | $230 + $100 application fee |
| Inactive class of certificate of registration | $165 |
| Retired class of certificate of registration | $50 |
*New graduates are eligible for a $100 membership fee exemption for the first two years of membership if their application for registration is received by the College no later than December 31 of the year they obtain their degree or diploma.
Why Have College Fees Increased?
In order for the College to effectively fulfill its public protection mandate, member fees must reflect actual operating costs. As part of its business plan, the College has been intentionally operating with a deficit budget for several years, in order to draw down on an accumulated reserve. During this time, all members have benefited from stable fees, which did not reflect the College’s actual operating costs.
Fees Remain Lower Than Most Professional Regulatory Bodies
Members can be assured that the College monitors its fees in relation to those of other regulators. The College’s registration, renewal and application fees remain lower than those of most other regulatory bodies of comparable size. Regulatory colleges with lower fees typically have much larger memberships.
The College Council recognizes fee increases may be challenging for members but it believes that this increase is prudent, fiscally responsible and necessary if the College is to continue to meet its public protection mandate and promote ethical and professional practice.
Questions about the annual fees can be directed to renewals@ocswssw.org or call 416-972-9882 or 1-877-828-9380 (toll free):
- Paul Cucci, Membership Manager, ext. 202
- Anne Vézina, Membership Administrator (bilingual), ext. 211