The Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MIRSW) is Manitoba’s professional organization for Social Workers who voluntarily apply for registration and who agree to meet professional standards of practice. The MIRSW is committed to improving and promoting the knowledge, efficiency and ability of its members to ensure that the public at all times receives the services of proficient and competent Social Workers of high ethical standards.
In order to obtain and retain registration, each Social Worker must meet certain standards of practice. MIRSW responds to ethical and practice concerns that are brought forward to them by any member of the public. The MIRSW has the authority to receive and examine concerns about unprofessional conduct amongst its members.
Examples of unprofessional conduct
that which is detrimental to the best interests of the public
that which contravenes the Code of Ethics for Social Workers (CASW, 2005) or the Manitoba Standards of Practice (2004)
that which harms, or may harm, the standing of Social Workers generally
that which displays a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment in the practice of Social Work.
If a member of the public feels that a Registered Social Worker (RSW) has conducted themselves in a manner that is unskilled or unprofessional, they can lodge a complaint with the MIRSW. This complaint will be addressed by the MIRSW’s Complaints Committee.
How to contact the MIRSW regarding unprofessional conduct
If you call us by phone with a complaint, you will be advised to submit your complaint in writing, signed and dated. If you are unable to provide a written complaint, a verbal complaint will be recorded word-for-word, in the presence of a witness, then dated and signed by the complainant.
The complaints process
The MIRSW Complaints Committee has the responsibility to investigate all inquiries into unprofessional conduct by a member of MIRSW. Committee members will review the complaint and determine whether further investigation is needed.
ALL INFORMATION IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
The Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee consists of MIRSW Board members and lay community representatives. The Committee reviews complaints and works to resolve them either by informal action, such as education, or formal action, such as correction or disciplinary action against the MIRSW member which is then made public.