By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a historic step toward the formalization and professional regulation of social work in Sierra Leone, the House of Parliament has officially passed the Professional Social Workers Regulatory Council Act 2025 into law. The landmark legislation aims to establish a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate the practice of social work across the country, enhance professional standards, and protect vulnerable populations.
The bill, which was tabled before Parliament in February 2025 by the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, received unanimous support during its third and final reading after a series of consultations and amendments by the Committee of the Whole House.
Lawmakers welcomed the bill as a long-overdue measure to bring structure and oversight to a vital sector that has historically operated without comprehensive regulation. During deliberations, Members of Parliament (MPs) cited Section 106(7) of the 1991 Constitution, which mandates the regulation of professional services in alignment with national legal frameworks. Several MPs expressed concern that this constitutional provision had been neglected in relation to social work, leading to inconsistent service delivery and a lack of accountability in the field.
“This Act is a significant milestone in professionalizing social work in Sierra Leone,” said one MP during the debate. “We must ensure that those providing support to our most vulnerable citizens are properly trained, accredited, and regulated.”
The new law will establish the Professional Social Workers Regulatory Council, which will be responsible for setting standards, issuing licenses, accrediting training institutions, and enforcing ethical conduct within the profession. The council is expected to play a key role in elevating the quality of social services, ensuring practitioners operate under a code of ethics, and protecting clients from malpractice or exploitation.
Parliamentarians emphasized that the passage of the bill marks only the beginning of the process. They urged the executive branch, particularly the Ministry of Social Welfare, to expedite the formulation of the corresponding regulatory framework needed to operationalize the Act. Several MPs also suggested that Minister Karminty be summoned periodically to provide progress updates on the implementation phase.
“The Parliament has done its part,” noted the Speaker. “It is now the responsibility of the executive to act swiftly and ensure that this law is translated into practice without unnecessary delay.”
The bill’s supporters believe the law will bring credibility to the profession and create new pathways for training, career growth, and public trust in social service delivery. It also aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader human capital development strategy, particularly in areas like child protection, mental health support, gender-based violence response, and family welfare.
Social workers, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups have welcomed the news, describing it as a transformative moment for the profession and the people it serves. Many hope the new regulatory body will be fully functional by the end of the year.
As the country moves into the implementation phase, stakeholders are optimistic that the Act will lead to a better-regulated, more effective social work profession—one that upholds the dignity, rights, and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans, especially the most vulnerable.
