Social Work Values and Ethics: Core Principles

Why Values Matter

Social work is a values-based profession. Our values guide how we practise, relate to service users, and make decisions. They distinguish social work from other professions and help us navigate complex ethical situations.

Understanding and living by these values isn't optional—it's fundamental to good practice.

Core Social Work Values

Human Dignity and Worth

Every person has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their circumstances, behaviour, or choices.

• Treat all service users with respect
• Recognise individual worth regardless of circumstances
• Challenge dehumanising language and practices
• See the person, not just the "case"

Social Justice

Social workers challenge discrimination, inequality, and injustice at individual and structural levels.

• Advocate for fair access to resources
• Challenge discrimination and oppression
• Understand structural causes of disadvantage
• Work towards a more just society

Service

Social workers prioritise the needs of service users and work to help them address their own needs.

• Put service users' interests first
• Work collaboratively with people
• Promote self-determination
• Empower rather than create dependency

Integrity

Social workers act honestly, reliably, and transparently.

• Be honest with service users
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Be transparent about your role and powers
• Acknowledge mistakes

Competence

Social workers practise within their competence and continue to develop their knowledge and skills.

• Recognise the limits of your knowledge
• Seek supervision and support
• Engage in continuing professional development
• Practice reflectively

Ethical Challenges in Practice

Competing Values

Values can conflict in practice. For example:

• Self-determination vs. protection from harm
• Confidentiality vs. duty to share information
• Individual needs vs. scarce resources
• Supporting parents vs. protecting children

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

• Identify the values and principles at stake
• Consider all perspectives, especially service users'
• Use supervision to explore options
• Make a reasoned decision and document your reasoning
• Reflect on the outcome

Anti-Oppressive Practice

Anti-oppressive practice (AOP) puts social justice values into action:

• Recognise power imbalances in your work
• Understand how oppression operates at different levels
• Challenge discriminatory practices
• Work in partnership with service users
• Advocate for structural change

Power in Social Work

Social workers hold significant power. Ethical practice requires:

• Awareness of the power you hold
• Using power responsibly and transparently
• Empowering service users
• Being accountable for how you use power

Professional Codes

Formal codes set out ethical expectations:

• BASW Code of Ethics—comprehensive ethical framework
• HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics—regulatory requirements
• Employer codes and policies

These provide guidance but require professional judgement in application.

Values in Daily Practice

How Values Show Up

• How you speak to and about service users
• How you record—language matters
• How you involve people in decisions
• How you respond to challenging behaviour
• How you challenge colleagues when needed

Keeping Values Central

• Regularly revisit core values
• Reflect on how values inform your practice
• Use supervision to explore values-based dilemmas
• Be open to challenge and growth

Conclusion

Social work values aren't abstract principles—they're guides for daily practice. Human dignity, social justice, service, integrity, and competence should inform how we work with every person we support. When values conflict, we need careful ethical reasoning. Staying connected to our values is essential for good practice and professional wellbeing.