By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has officially passed the Professional Social Workers Regulatory Council Act 2025 into law, marking a significant milestone in the regulation and formalization of the country’s social welfare sector.
The bill, which had previously gone through the Committee of the Whole House with amendments, was read for the third time and approved during a full sitting of Parliament. The motion was moved by a Member of Parliament and supported by the Speaker, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, who presided over the proceedings.
“The question is that the bill entitled the Professional Social Workers Regulatory Council Act 2025 be read for the third time and passed into law,” declared the Speaker. Following a unanimous chorus of “Aye” from MPs, the bill was successfully passed.
The new law provides for the establishment of the Professional Social Workers Regulatory Council, a body tasked with overseeing the licensing, registration, and disciplinary oversight of professional social workers, organizations, and institutions operating in Sierra Leone.
“This act is crucial,” the Speaker affirmed, “because it lays the legal foundation for regulating social work practice and ensuring accountability and professionalism in a sector that directly impacts vulnerable populations.”
The council, once established, will help address long-standing issues such as unlicensed facilities, unregulated practitioners, and instances of misconduct. It is also expected to elevate the standards of social work to be in line with international best practices.
The passage of the act follows strong advocacy from the Ministry of Social Welfare, led by Minister Melrose Kaimity, who has been vocal about the need for legislative reforms in the social services sector. The law is seen as a response to growing concerns over drug abuse, child protection, gender-based violence, and the lack of regulatory oversight in orphanages and care institutions.
The act will now be sent for presidential assent before coming into full effect. Once operational, the new council is expected to introduce a licensing system, develop a national registry of social workers, and enforce codes of conduct for social work professionals across the country.
The passage of this bill is being hailed as a historic achievement for Sierra Leone’s social welfare system and a major step toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable members of society.
