Who We Are?

The Irish Association of Social Workers is the national professional body for social workers in the Republic of Ireland. It was founded in 1971 and has a membership of more than 1,500 social workers. The IASW is an active member of the International Federation of Social Workers, which represents professional social work associations from over 55 different countries with more than 350,000 social workers in all parts of the world.

We provide a range of relevant, needs-based member benefits and services. Come and join us! 

Through our staff, our members and our strategic relationships we grow our community, where members belong as individuals and as a collective, advancing the profession through excellence in standards and practice. Our resourcefulness and commitment drive us to go the extra mile.

We exist, as the representative body, to advance the interests of our members, the profession and service users, working together for improved lives, social justice and equality for all.

The Objectives of the Association are:

• Ensuring the sustainable development of the IASW, as the professional body supporting and representing the social work profession in the Republic of Ireland.
• Improving the standards and quality of professional social work practice
• Facilitating social workers to meet the CPD requirements of registration
• Increasing access to information and support for social workers
• Enhancing the public profile and perception of social work
• Using social work expertise to influence the development of local, national and international policy and practice

How does the IASW operate?
The Association operates by means of an elected Board of Directors which includes; the Chair of the Board, Vice-Chair, Company Secretary and Treasurer. Council is made up of the Special Interest Groups (SIG’s), Associate Groups and Committees, and is the advisory body to the Board.Many components of the IASW, from the Special Interest Groups to the Chair of the Board, operate on the time given by members. It is up to the members of the Association to participate in order to make it effective.