Codes of Conduct

The codes of conduct were introduced in the uk in 2001, The system was set up allowing Local councils to be responsible for those working in the social services sector were those who have met the requirements for entry onto the register and have agreed to abide by the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers. The purpose of this code is to protect and promote the interests of service users and carers and to inform service users and the public about the standards of conduct they can expect from social service workers. The codes aim is to provide a high quality services and promote public trust and confidence in social care.

An important quality that a social worker must possess is a non-judgmental attitude. While social workers are not expected to agree with or approve of the values and behaviors of the client they work with, may it be religion or social is imperative that social workers communicate in a way that shows they are respectful and have the client's best interests as a priority. They must be able to respect a client's right to privacy only discussing the case with the appropriate agencies involved therefore the social worker has taken into consideration that person's worth and dignity. As part of the job you will be expected to make decisions that are considered to be ethical dilemmas in the client's life so you need to have the ability to empathize with others to be able to understand the other person's feelings. This is not to say that the social worker must feel as the other person feels. That is sympathy. Empathy is an understanding of another's feelings through experience you have acquired in your own life and finding a solution to deal with the problems. Possessing a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, having a genuine concern for people and the problems they face and a willingness to work openly with clients, colleagues, and other professionals you may come into contact with an ability to problem solve, make challenging decisions, overall a commitment to social justice.

Social workers must adhere to the principles of the law and ethical principles these include.

Protecting the rights and promote the interests of service users and carer's;

Treating each person as an individual giving them the correct advice choice about which service they are entitled to respecting different cultures and values.

Strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users and carer's;

Being honest and trustworthy giving accurate information and respecting any information divulged to the social worker and explaining agency policies on confidentiality.

Promoting the independence of service users while protecting them