National Ethics Committee

CHARGE

Authorization and Accountability

The National Ethics Committee (NEC) is established by the NASW Bylaws

Purpose

The National Ethics Committee is responsible for educating NASW membership and the larger professional community to standards of ethical professional practice.  The committee along with staff, oversees chapter professional review activity, develops policy and procedure, provides interpretations of procedures, and provides technical assistance and training. The committee hears complaints within their jurisdiction, against members who are alleged to have violated the Code of Ethics and is authorized to conduct adjudication of credentialed non-members.  The committee oversees the development of ethics education training and programs.

Time Frame

The NEC shall be an on-going Bylaws-mandated committee.

Members, Terms and Criteria

The NEC shall be comprised of 6 members appointed by the President.  The Chairperson serves a two-year term that is in concert with that of the President. Members’ terms are 3 years and are staggered.  The President also appoints 4 alternates to serve in the absence of regular members.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Acts on appeals of chapter decisions.
2. Reviews concerns about actions of chapter ethics committees (CEC) that may not be in accord with stated policy and procedure.
3. Assumes jurisdiction of any case at any time to assure proper mediation or adjudication.
4. Provides, with its staff, technical assistance for chapter staff, officers, CEC members and other volunteers.
5. Develops and promulgates materials and adjudication guidelines.
6. Develops appropriate procedures for Board approval and a fair reimbursement policy for chapters when adjudicating credentialed non-members.
7. Promotes ethical professional practices.
8. Communicates with internal and external organizational groups to educate and promote professional ethical practices.
9. Facilitates just resolution of differences through mediation and adjudication by chapters and in special circumstances conducts the same; oversees mediation and adjudication program.
10. Recommends new or improved procedures to the NASW Board of Directors.

 Board of Directors
Revised September 2005