By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Social Welfare of the Government of Sierra Leone has successfully concluded a week-long nationwide validation tour on the implementation of the Professional Social Work Regulatory Act 2025. The exercise, held from November 3rd to 7th, took the delegation to Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, Makeni, and Waterloo, where they engaged stakeholders on the proposed regulatory framework.
The nationwide consultation aimed to strengthen the legal and institutional framework guiding the social work profession in Sierra Leone, ensuring alignment with both national priorities and international standards. The delegation, comprising senior ministry officials and social work experts, held interactive sessions with regional representatives, academic institutions, and practitioners to gather feedback on the draft regulations.
Speaking during the engagements, Mr. Ibrahim Bakarr, Consultant for the Social Welfare Delivery Unit, emphasized the importance of recognizing social work as a professional and ethical discipline rooted in compassion, competence, and accountability. He outlined key provisions of the Act, including the establishment of a Social Work Council, a professional licensing system, and mechanisms for ethics oversight and continuous professional development.
Stakeholders also deliberated on critical components of the draft regulations, such as academic and training standards, license renewal procedures, and professional specializations in areas like medical and mental health social work. Participants expressed optimism that these measures would enhance the credibility of practitioners and promote a culture of lifelong learning and ethical practice.
The Ministry described the validation exercise as a pivotal step toward ensuring that the Act is inclusive, practical, and reflective of local realities. Officials urged all social work practitioners, training institutions, and community-based organizations to actively contribute to the ongoing process.
Once enacted, the Professional Social Work Regulatory Act 2025 is expected to mark a transformative milestone in Sierra Leone’s social protection landscape—formalizing social work practice, standardizing licensing, and reinforcing professionalism and accountability across the sector.