The professional association for social workers in British Columbia
Since 1956, the British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW) has been the professional home for social workers across the province. As a voluntary, not-for-profit membership association, we support and strengthen the profession through advocacy, professional development, leadership, collaboration, and member services.
Together with our members, we champion social justice, promote excellence in practice, and advance the vital role social workers play in building healthier, more equitable communities.
Our Mission
To promote and strengthen the social work profession in British Columbia by advancing social work practice, supporting our members, and advocating for a just and compassionate society.
Our Vision
A just, equitable, and compassionate society where social workers are recognized, valued, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by the values of the social work profession and our commitment to serving our members with integrity, collaboration, and purpose.
Social Justice
We champion equity, human rights, environmental responsibility, and systemic change that addresses oppression, discrimination, and social inequities.
Professional Excellence
We promote the highest standards of social work practice, ethics, lifelong learning, and professional development.
Integrity & Accountability
We act with transparency, ethical leadership, and accountability to earn and maintain the trust of our members and the communities we serve.
Collaboration & Community
We believe meaningful partnerships and strong relationships strengthen our profession and increase our collective impact.
Inclusion & Diversity
We value diverse voices, lived experiences, and inclusive leadership that foster belonging and strengthen social work.
Empowerment
We equip social workers with the knowledge, resources, leadership, and advocacy needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Who We Are
BCASW represents social workers at every stage of their professional journey, from students and new graduates to experienced practitioners, educators, researchers, leaders, and retirees.
We provide professional support, continuing education, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and member services that strengthen both individual practice and the profession as a whole.
Founded in 1956, BCASW has grown into a province-wide community committed to professional excellence, lifelong learning, and social justice.
Our Impact
Every day, BCASW works to strengthen the profession of social work by:
- Advocating with government and decision-makers on issues affecting social workers and the communities they serve.
- Providing high-quality professional development and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Supporting ethical, competent, and evidence-informed social work practice.
- Connecting members through branches, committees, communities of practice, and mentorship.
- Building strategic partnerships that advance the profession and promote social justice.
- Supporting the next generation of social workers through student engagement, mentorship, scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
Provincial, National & Global Connections
BCASW proudly represents social workers in British Columbia as a member association of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Through CASW, our members are also connected to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), strengthening the profession through national collaboration and global advocacy.
BCASW and the BC College of Social Workers
Different organizations. Complementary roles.
BCASW and the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) have distinct but complementary responsibilities.
BCASW is the professional association for social workers. We support our members through advocacy, professional development, practice resources, networking, leadership opportunities, and member services while advancing the profession and promoting social justice.
BCCSW is the regulatory body responsible for protecting the public by establishing standards for registration, professional practice, and ethical conduct.
Learn More About the BC College of Social Workers
Our Strategic Priorities
BCASW's work is guided by the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, which focuses on three key priorities:
Our Members
Strengthening member value, engagement, recruitment, retention, and professional development.
Our Advocacy
Advancing the profession through evidence-informed advocacy, government engagement, public leadership, and strategic partnerships.
Our Organization
Building strong governance, operational excellence, innovation, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Our work is grounded in a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. We recognize social work's role in colonial harms and are committed to truth-telling, accountability, and advancing reconciliation through our governance, advocacy, partnerships, and professional practice.