NSCSW: The future of social work regulation in NS (Truro)

NSCSW members are invited to share feedback & insights related to upcoming regulatory changes in Nova Scotia

Social Work in Nova Scotia is undergoing a regulatory and governance shift. After ten years since becoming a college under the Social Workers Act, the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) will be transitioned to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). It is anticipated that this change will take place by early 2027. The next steps in this process will be working with the Nova Scotia government to define the regulations and by-laws under the RHPA.

This engagement offers an opportunity for social workers in Nova Scotia to better understand the regulatory framework under the RHPA, provide feedback and insights related to governance and professional regulation in social work practice, and meet other social workers.

We are planning on hosting roadshows in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Truro, Halifax, Bridgewater, Yarmouth, and virtually.

Eligibility

Only NSCSW members

This event is designed for members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). All active, associate, retired associate, and student members are encouraged to attend; our professional development programming is part of our member services funded by annual registration fees. There are no other prerequisites for this session.

Objectives

• Knowledge: Better understand the RHPA regulatory framework, how it will be applied to social work practice; understand the needs and priorities of other social workers in NS regarding professional regulation.
• Skills: Implement and apply regulatory knowledge from the RHPA in social work practice and ongoing registration with social work regulatory body.
• Values: Shift worldviews, beliefs, and assumptions related to professional regulation.
• Relational: Connect with NSCSW staff and leaders, while meeting and learning alongside other NS social workers.

Foundations

NSCSW 2025:

This session will review all the values, principles, and standards of practice within the 2025 NSCSW Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice. The values are:

• Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All people

• Value 2: Promoting Social Justice

• Value 3: Pursuing Truth & Reconciliation

• Value 4: Valuing Human Relationships

• Value 5: Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice

• Value 6: Maintaining Privacy & Confidentiality

• Value 7: Providing Competent/Culturally Responsive Professional Services

Facilitators

Alec Stratford, MSW, RSW
NSCSW Executive Director/Registrar

During his years at the NSCSW, Alec has been a prominent advocate for post-structural regulation and systemic reform within the social work profession. His leadership champions a dynamic and adaptive approach to regulation, prioritizing ethical standards, accountability, and the delivery of high-quality care to vulnerable populations. By acknowledging the complexities of social work practice and the diverse realities of the individuals and communities it serves, Alec has advanced a regulatory framework that addresses systemic challenges while upholding professional accountability.

Alec has been vocal about the significant challenges faced by social workers, including excessive caseloads, administrative burdens, and the undervaluation of their roles and their impact on quality and ethical care. He has consistently called for the adoption of flexible caseload standards to improve resource allocation and ensure care is tailored to the unique needs of children and families. His vision for post-structural regulation also extends to addressing broader systemic issues, such as workforce sustainability and the development of progressive social and economic policies.

Under his leadership, the NSCSW has actively pursued initiatives to decolonize social work practices by integrating Indigenous and Africentric perspectives into the profession. This work reflects Alec's deep commitment to equity, social justice, and transforming social work into a more inclusive and responsive field that evolves with the complexities of modern society.

Tyler Colbourne, MSW, RSW
NSCSW Professional Development Consultant

Tyler’s practice as a social worker is informed by intersectional identities as a queer, white, mostly able-bodied settler of European descent with lived experience as a mental health service user and as someone who has struggled with addiction. He cares deeply about decolonization and social justice and strives to approach his social work practice through a systems change and relational approach. To learn more about Tyler, you can read his introduction to NSCSW here.

Professional development tracking

For members of NSCSW, participating in this event is eligible to fulfill the annual requirement for professional development related to social work ethics. Members who have already completed that requirement for the year may instead categorize this session as formal professional development.

Visit nscsw.org/pd for more information about the updated professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers.