ACTION PLAN 2013-2014

In addition to overseeing the ongoing operation of the CASWE-ACFTS the Board of Directors is mandated to “develop a yearly action plan in consultation with the membership” (CASWE-ACFTS By-Laws, Section 6.1.12). This year’s Action Plan does not identify discrete activities or tasks but presents 5 key questions to help focus the work of CASWE-ACFTS for 2013-2014.

1. What is CASWE’s mandate and responsibilities within the context of Canadian Social Work? Considering this question will require us to
   1. Increase membership engagement.
   2. Clarify our mission and purpose.
   3. Identify what we are doing well and what we need to enhance.
   4. Identify and enrich our uniqueness.
   5. Explore the intersection of our mandate and responsibilities with the mandate and responsibilities of the other sectors of Canadian Social Work.
2. Do our current governance structures assist us in fulfilling our mandate and responsibilities? Considering this question will require us to
   1. Clarify roles and responsibilities of the various components of our governance structure and processes.
   2. Suggest needed revisions and enhancements to our governance structure and process to promote inclusion and equity.
   3. Consider our Constitution and Bylaws in light of relevant legislation.
3. What operational supports need to be maintained or enhanced to assist us in fulfilling our mandate and responsibilities? Considering this question will require us to
   1. Continue with web site development and enhancement.
   2. Ensure responsible financial management.
   3. Enhance policies and procedures.
   4. Maintain and enhance human resources.
4. How can we support Schools as they seek to fulfill their individual missions? Considering this question will require us to
   1. Maintain effective communication with all Schools and other relevant constituencies.
   2. Continue to monitor the implementation and revision of our accreditation standards and procedures.
   3. Support the work of the National Office to enable them to respond to Schools in a timely and efficient fashion.
5. What specific issues should we focus on 2013-14? Considering this question will require us to
   1. Establish effective communication strategies.
   2. Utilize the special projects reserve fund in accordance with CASWE polices and priorities.
   3. Set priorities based on membership direction and available resources (personnel, finances and time). Issues that have come to the attention of the BOD include
      1. The interface between education and regulation.
      2. The sustainability of programs; for example, how many social work education programs can Canada support?
      3. National concerns about field education.