Frequently Asked Questions: ASWEAS 2024 Version 2
Frequently Asked Questions ASWEAS 2024 V2
Why is the AASW putting out a revised version of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2024?
The revision follows a negotiation through a formal ACCC collective bargaining process, available on the ACCC website.
Will there be a sector wide consultation?
The revised ASWEAS 2024 (Version 2) is an interim measure which aims to provide greater clarity and consistency in the accreditation requirements and support their implementation across all higher education providers delivering AASW-accredited social work programs. Version 2 allows the scheduled accreditation of Higher Education Providers (HEPs) to go ahead in 2027 whilst the AASW undertakes a more robust and comprehensive review. Stakeholders will be consulted in that process.
If a HEP is due to be accredited in early 2027 will we be required to be assessed against these revised standards?
No. The AASW wants to ensure that providers have adequate time to implement the changes, with this intent HEPs are required to demonstrate adherence to the revised Standards by the end of May 2027. Where HEPs are due for accreditation review prior to this deadline of end of May 2027, you should proceed under current arrangements. HEPs that are scheduled for accreditation review after this deadline will need to follow ASWEAS 2024 V2.
For HEPs currently accredited under ASWEAS 2020, including those whose accreditation reviews were conducted against ASWEAS 2020 in 2026, will the transition deadline be May 2027 to allow them to align with ASWEAS 2024 V2?
Yes.
As a HEP we have not been able to recruit a Level E Academic, will we lose our accreditation?
There is provision for a Level D to be appointed in exceptional circumstances, please read the revised standards and contact the AASW Accreditation team if this is an area of concern. Contact us at [email protected].
The revised version includes explicit staffing ratios, what happens if a HEP does not have the stipulated staff?
The AASW wants to ensure that providers have adequate time to implement the changes, HEPs are required to demonstrate adherence to the revised Standards by the end of May 2027. This gives the sector over 6 months to work with the AASW to understand and comply with the revised Standards.
Who can I contact about the revised Standards?
If you have any questions about the revised Standards or implementation, please contact The AASW Accreditation team on [email protected]
Louise Butler, Director, Practice Standards and Regulation [email protected]