Employer Engagement – An Important Regulatory Activity
I am delighted to address you in this summer issue of the Employer Communiqué as the incoming Registrar and CEO at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
As the largest group of mental health providers in the province, social workers and social service workers are instrumental within the sector now more than ever. In the last three years alone, our registrant base has grown exponentially from 23,800 to now reaching over 28,000 social workers and social service workers across Ontario. Our registrants work in diverse settings, all of which are dedicated to supporting mental health.
Over the past six years, we have prioritized educating employers about the regulatory role of the College, our Online Register and the benefits that professional regulation offers employers — including the protection and accountability that comes with hiring RSWs and RSSWs. Our employer awareness campaign includes digital advertisements that advise employers to check the Online Register before hiring new staff, increased content geared toward employers — including this quarterly publication — and engagement opportunities like the upcoming fall Employer Webinar.
We understand that ongoing engagement, involving employers like you, is key to achieving our shared goals and must remain a core activity. Our employer engagement initiatives allow us to make well-informed decisions that serve the public interest and protect clients and communities throughout the province.
The College remains committed to continuous improvement and engagement. With that in mind, we are always available to address questions or receive feedback on matters that impact you, whether it be a practice-related inquiry or a discussion about the application status of a future hire.
I look forward to embarking on this next chapter with you as we continue working together to protect the public interest.
Sincerely,
Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA
Registrar and CEO