How does OASW differ from the profession's regulatory college?

Put simply, OASW's mandate comes from the profession itself and encompasses issues that are of interest and concern to social workers. Conversely, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers' (OCSWSSW) mandate is to protect the public and enforce professional standards, a role enshrined in provincial legislation.

OASW believes that it is the responsibility of all students and graduates from university-based social work programs to hold membership in OASW and, upon graduation, to also join the regulatory College. While OASW and OCSWSSW have separate and distinct mandates, they both perform important and, at times, overlapping roles that need to be supported by the profession.