Social worker Eddie Tse has found himself at the center of controversy after protesting the Hong Kong government’s plans to overhaul the industry licensing board, which ultimately led to his removal from a committee under the body. Tse, a veteran in the field, expressed his disbelief at being excluded from the Social Workers Registration Board’s Disciplinary Committee Panel, a position he had held since 2020. The updated list, released by the government last Saturday, did not include his name, leaving him questioning the motives behind his sudden removal.
The move to overhaul the social worker licensing body stems from a bill passed by Hong Kong’s legislature, which gives government appointees a majority on the board responsible for vetting the qualifications of social workers in the city. This shift in power was justified by authorities as necessary to “better protect national security.” However, critics like Tse see it as a form of political interference that threatens the autonomy of the profession.
In response to the changes, Tse and other social work veterans conducted a survey that revealed widespread concern among social workers that the overhaul would undermine their professional independence. Tse’s vocal opposition to the reforms, including a two-person petition outside the government headquarters, has now seemingly resulted in his removal from the committee. He views this as a form of retaliation for his activism, raising questions about the government’s handling of dissenting voices within the industry.
The contentious nature of the overhaul also extends to the composition of the Social Workers Registration Board, where the percentage of government-appointed members has increased significantly. Previously, all elected board members came from the pro-democracy camp, but the amended bill now bars individuals convicted of national security offenses and other serious crimes from becoming social workers. This shift in membership has raised concerns about the board’s independence and its ability to fairly regulate the profession.
One of the individuals removed from the disciplinary panel, Jackie Chen, is awaiting a retrial over a rioting charge linked to the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. Despite being acquitted in 2020, Chen’s legal proceedings have cast a shadow over her involvement in handling complaints against social workers. The chairperson of the new board, Herman Hui, cited “image problems” as the reason for removing several individuals from the panel, emphasizing the need to maintain public trust in the regulatory process.
Hui’s comments reflect a broader effort to ensure transparency and integrity within the social work industry, especially in light of the political tensions surrounding the 2019 protests. The board’s decision to deregister social workers involved in rioting and unlawful assemblies underscores the challenges of balancing professional standards with political sensitivities. While Hui maintains that the board’s actions are based on safeguarding the profession’s reputation, critics argue that such measures may be used to target dissenting voices within the social work community.
Despite the government’s efforts to reform the licensing body, concerns remain about the impact on social workers’ ability to practice independently and serve their communities effectively. The exclusion of individuals like Eddie Tse from key committees raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the regulatory process, particularly in a climate of increasing political scrutiny. As the social work industry grapples with these changes, the need for open dialogue and constructive engagement between stakeholders becomes more pressing than ever.
Challenges to Professional Autonomy
The overhaul of the Social Workers Registration Board has sparked debate about the limits of government intervention in professional licensing and regulatory bodies. Critics argue that the increased government control over the board undermines the autonomy of social workers and compromises their ability to advocate for their clients. By appointing a majority of government representatives to the board, there are concerns that political considerations may override professional standards and ethical norms in the field of social work.
Impact on Social Work Practice
The removal of experienced social workers like Eddie Tse from key committees within the licensing body has raised concerns about the implications for professional practice. As individuals with years of industry knowledge and expertise are sidelined in favor of government appointees, there are fears that the regulatory process may become politicized and ineffective in addressing the needs of social workers and their clients. The lack of transparency surrounding these decisions only adds to the uncertainty and mistrust within the industry.
Future of Social Work in Hong Kong
The ongoing reforms to the social worker licensing body signal a broader shift in the landscape of social work in Hong Kong. As government-appointed members exert greater influence over the regulatory process, the profession faces challenges in maintaining its independence and ethical standards. The experiences of individuals like Eddie Tse and Jackie Chen highlight the complexities of navigating political pressures while upholding professional integrity. Moving forward, it will be crucial for stakeholders to engage in dialogue and advocacy to safeguard the values and principles that underpin social work practice in Hong Kong.