Council Co-Chair Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW, welcomed the Task Group members and led a round of introductions at which Task Group members shared some of their background, lived experiences and reasons for their interest in being part of the Task Group.
Brian Seng-Low, RSSW, was selected by Task Group members as non-Council Co-Chair.
The Registrar and CEO, Lise Betteridge, gave an overview of self-regulation, the legislative framework under the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, governance and operations at the College, key priorities under the 2020-23 Strategic Plan and the steps that led to the creation of the Task Group.
Council Co-Chair Sanjay Govindaraj led a discussion about the Task Group’s Terms of Reference.
The Task Group reviewed the confidentiality provisions in the Act, the College’s Communications Policy, the Code of Conduct and meeting guidelines.
The Task Group considered the draft Work Plan and agreed that further discussion would be needed to identify priorities and first steps. Among items discussed were: accessibility; the engagement of a consultant; the collection of race-based data; the scope of a review of bylaws, policies, processes and resources; and meaningful engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities.
It was agreed that the Task Group will strive to meet more frequently for the next 2-3 meetings as it begins its work.
