The College Mandate

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is the regulatory body for social workers and social service workers whose primary duty is to serve and protect the public interest. The College is accountable to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Public Protection

The College’s ongoing mandate is to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. The College serves and protects the public by:

• 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 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Maintaining a Public Register of registered social workers (RSWs) and registered social service workers (RSSWs) in Ontario.
• Requiring members to engage in ongoing learning through the Continuing Competence Program (CCP).
• Maintaining rigorous complaints and discipline processes.