Perspective Fall 2022

Message from the Registrar and CEO: The Journey Towards Good Governance

What is good governance? This is a question regulatory boards and staff frequently ask themselves, and one which I also reflect on in my role as Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. In the regulatory context, good governance is the framework that ensures that colleges like ours operate in an environment of continuous improvement and are well-positioned to make decisions in the public interest. In this sense,…

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The Results Are In! Key Takeaways from the 2022 Member Communications Survey

In July, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers sent out its 2022 Member Communications Survey to members. The purpose of the survey was to help the College evaluate its communications strategy and determine which communication tools and services were successful as well as areas in need of improvement. Now that the survey results have been compiled – and with more than two thousand members participating – we are pleased to share…

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In Case You Missed It

Complete the 2022 Continuing Competence Program As the end of the year approaches, the College would like to remind members of their requirement to complete the 2022 Continuing Competence Program (CCP). The CCP is mandatory for all members of the College (except those holding a retired class of certificate of registration), including those who are not currently practising, are members of the inactive class, are on maternity, parental or sick leave, or who registered late…

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New Council Roster for 2022/2023

The Council is the governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. We are pleased to announce the following members of the 2022/2023 College Council: Amanda Bettencourt – Elected Social Service Worker Amanda Bettencourt is dually registered with the OCSWSSW, initially joining the College as a social service worker and then obtaining her bachelor of social work degree from the former Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University. She works…

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Council Meeting Highlights for May 5 and 6, 2022

The Council is the 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The policies developed by Council provide direction to the College and to staff. May 5, 2022 Governance consultants Harry Cayton and Deanna Williams, engaged by the College to conduct governance training and a governance review, presented their final report to Council.Council approved a motion to accept the governance report, release the report publicly and develop an action plan…

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Council Meeting Highlights for September 8 and 9, 2022

The Council is the 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The policies developed by Council provide direction to the College and to staff. September 8, 2022 The following Council members were elected by Council to the Executive Committee:John Fleming, Public member – Council ChairMandi Olson, RSSW – Vice-ChairSanjay Govindaraj, RSW – Vice-ChairMukesh Kowlessar, RSSW – Executive MemberPam Murphy, Public member – Executive MemberDurel Williams, RSW – Executive MemberCouncil…

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Practice Notes: Termination – Managing Clients and Moving Forward

Download the PDF Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the Professional Practice Department and the Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College members with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary…

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Discipline Decision Summary – Sharleen Cainer

The College publishes summaries of decisions of the Discipline Committee and/or provides links to full-text, neutralized versions of its decisions. Information that is subject to a publication ban or that could reveal the identity of witnesses or clients, including the name of the facility, have been removed as necessary, or have been anonymized. As of January 2019, decisions are also available via the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII). By publishing decisions, the College endeavours to:…

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Discipline Decision Summary – Dorit Osher

The College publishes summaries of decisions of the Discipline Committee and/or provides links to full-text, neutralized versions of its decisions. Information that is subject to a publication ban or that could reveal the identity of witnesses or clients, including the name of the facility, have been removed as necessary, or have been anonymized. As of January 2019, decisions are also available via the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII). By publishing decisions, the College endeavours to:…

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Discipline Decision Summary – Karissa-June Boulay

The College publishes summaries of decisions of the Discipline Committee and/or provides links to full-text, neutralized versions of its decisions. Information that is subject to a publication ban or that could reveal the identity of witnesses or clients, including the name of the facility, have been removed as necessary, or have been anonymized. As of January 2019, decisions are also available via the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII). By publishing decisions, the College endeavours to:…

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I’ve Been Complained Against – What Happens Now?

The College’s mandate is to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. One of the ways the College fulfills this mandate is to consider and investigate complaints made by the public regarding the alleged conduct of College members. And though it may feel daunting or upsetting to find out that someone has made a complaint against you, the College ensures that due processes are in place, upholding fairness and maintaining transparency for all…

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