The Alberta College of Social Workers is authorized by the Health Professions Act (HPA) to conduct the activities of a professional regulatory body which involves:

• carrying out activities and governing regulated members in a manner that protects and serves the public interest,
• providing direction to and regulating the practice of social work,
• establishing, maintaining and enforcing a code of ethics and standards for registration, continuing competence and standards of practice.

The ACSW also serves as the professional association that promotes best practices in social work, supports membership activities that strengthen the profession and advocates for public policies that support competent social work practice.

The Council of ACSW is comprised of elected and appointed members who are responsible for conducting the affairs of the ACSW in accordance with the Health Professions Act  (HPA). The membership elects ten (10) registered social workers to serve on Council. Four (4) public members, who are not social workers, are appointed to serve on Council by the Alberta government. The Chair of the Indigenous Social Work Committee also is appointed as a member of Council.

Serving on ACSW Council is a challenging commitment. Registered social workers seeking election for a position on Council should be willing to:

• become well informed about the role of the ACSW and its legislative obligations,
• commit to serve in the best interests of the ACSW and the social work profession,
• discuss diverse perspectives on a variety of complex topics,
• commit time and energy to the activities of the ACSW,
• face challenges and opportunities related to implementing the legislative requirements of the Health Professions Act ,
• deal professionally with conflict of interest situations and confidential matters,
• be part of a team that holds a broad view of issues and challenges facing the profession,
• represent, engage and mobilize the membership on professional issues,
• recognize and represent the diversity of professional interests.

Council members meet 6 - 8 times per year including the Annual General Meeting held in conjunction with the annual provincial conference. Members in executive positions attend additional meetings. Council members are expected to be involved in legislative committees as a Council liaison and Council subcommittees. They may also become involved in Member Interest committees and other activities that require additional time commitments. Council members serve without remuneration and costs associated with council meetings and activities are reimbursed to council members.