Purpose
The Committee on Ethics is responsible for educating NASW membership and the larger professional community to standards of ethical professional practice. The committee is charged with hearing complaints against NASW members for violation(s) of the NASW Code of Ethics. The committee also hears complaints against organizations where members are employed for violation(s) of their personnel policies or for interfering with professionals' action of behalf of clients. The committee oversees the development of ethics education training and programs.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Reviews concerns brought to the Committee on Ethics in accord with stated policy and procedure.
2. Develops and promulgates materials and adjudication guidelines.
3. Promotes ethical professional practices.
4. Communicates with members and organizational groups to educate and promote professional ethical practices.
5. Develops and/or coordinates, at a minimum, an annual continuing educational opportunity focused on ethics.
6. Suggests relevant articles, information, and/or resources for inclusion in the Chapter Newsletter and/or Web Site.
Members, Terms, and Criteria
The Committee Chairperson is appointed by the President in conjunction with the Board of Directors. The Chairperson is responsible to report the activities of the committee to the Board of Directors, coordinate meetings, insure the goals and responsibilities of the committee are being met, and insure that activities and decisions of the committee are documented in an accurate, timely and thorough manner.
Interested members submit an application to the Board of Directors. The committee consists of at least six NASW Wyoming members in addition to the Committee Chairperson. Members are selected by the Board of Directors with consideration given to selecting members that represent a diversity of backgrounds and geographical representation.
Terms are not limited, although the President will review committee composition on an annual basis to insure effective fulfillment of the committee's charge. Chapter staff provide administrative support to the committee as necessary.
Committee members must have email accessibility as the majority of the committee work is done by email. Members must also be willing and able to make a one year commitment, attend committee meetings ~ in person or via teleconference ~ when held, and be willing to occasionally serve as the committee representative to Board meetings.