WHY ETHICAL CODES
IN SOCIAL WORK?
ÅKE STRANDBERG
The ethical council of the Swedish
Union Social Sciencies Professionals
 Take
initiative to and take part in
public discussions within the area of
ethical matters in social work
 Continously review and reimplement
the ethical codes
 Create and uphold the legitimacy of
The Union of Social Workers as serious
and important part in the field of
ethical matters in social work
Ethical values and norms for social
work
The principal of human dignity
Human and civil rights
Solidarity
Welfare, resources and security
Respect and integrity
Liberty and self-determination
Democracy and participation
Ethical values and norms for
social work
Social justice
Equality
Honesty and candour
Non-judgmental approach
Personal accountability
Consequentialist assessment
Ethical characteristics of social
workers
A basic attitude of respect, equality and
approachability
Personal integrity
Empathy/ responsivness
Commitment/ taking responsibility
Objectivity and clarity
Sense of justice – civic courage
Critical self-insight
Ethical characteristics of social
workers
Tolerance/broad- mindedness
Balanced judgment
Collaborative skills
Desire to reach understanding
Patience
Independence of mind
Creativity
Humour
Ethical guidelines for social workers
 Grounds
of the profession and of
social work
 Profession and personality
 The client/ individual
 The organisation, colleagues and the
workplace
 The society