The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is pleased to announce the successful completion of our 2023/2024 continuing professional development (CPD) audits for both Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) and Accredited Social Workers (ASW). These audits are essential in ensuring that our members continue to meet the high standards of practice. 

We encourage all members to stay up to date with their CPD requirements, and there is a fabulous opportunity for all members to register for any live-online webinar delivered between now and 31 December 2024, for $30. If you are not able to attend at the nominated webinar time, you will have free access to the recording for two weeks after the date of delivery. 

The AMHSW credential is a crucial qualification for social workers specialising in mental health. It provides access to important programs like Medicare’s Better Access initiative and ensures that professionals holding this credential meet rigorous standards of care. ASW status, on the other hand, highlights a broader commitment to professional growth and ethical practice, reflecting the high level of competence necessary for effective social work practice.

This year, 93% of the AMHSWs selected for audit met their CPD requirements, reflecting a 4% improvement from last year. The success rate for ASWs, who were included in the audit for the first time, was 77%. These results underscore the ongoing commitment of our members to professional development and ethical practice. 

Key findings from the audit highlighted areas for improvement, such as clearer communication regarding CPD expectations, especially for our ASWs. The inclusion of ASWs this year was an important step toward aligning our internal processes with our broader strategic goals. 

Accredited status and credentials (such as the AMHSW credential) enhance the credibility and skills of individual social workers and have a wider impact on the profession and industry.  

These successful audits are a testament to our members’ dedication, and we look forward to supporting them in their continued professional growth.