MoSD & the Syndicate of Psychologists & Social Workers Discuss the Final Version of the Governance Framework for Social Work Professions
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, met with Dr. Iyad Othman, President of the Syndicate of Psychologists and Social Workers, to discuss regulating the relationship between the Ministry and the Syndicate regarding the licensing of social workers and mechanisms for developing procedures governing the profession, with the aim of enhancing the quality of social services provided to citizens and strengthening compliance with professional and legal standards.
The meeting was attended by the Minister’s Advisor, Doaa Wadi; Director of the Ramallah and Al-Bireh Social Development Directorate, Dr. Khalil Tannous; Director General of the General Directorate for Case Management Follow-up, Imad Omran; Legal Advisor Dr. Fadi Rabayaa; and Legal Expert Dr. Jihad Al-Kiswani.
Dr. Hamad stressed the importance of moving toward a clear institutional framework governing the relationship between the Ministry and the Syndicate, based on the instructions she issued in this regard. The framework would define the roles and responsibilities related to the procedures for granting social workers professional practice licenses and ensure the application of unified professional standards for practitioners in the field.
The meeting discussed initiating a participatory process between the Ministry and the Syndicate for granting professional practice licenses through an electronic system developed by the Ministry for this purpose, with the Syndicate assuming a defined role and responsibility within the process. This would help simplify procedures for applicants, expedite the processing of applications, enhance transparency, and standardize data and applicable criteria.
Dr. Hamad explained that regulating the practice of social work is not merely an administrative matter, but directly affects the quality of services received by citizens by ensuring that the profession is practiced by individuals who meet professional requirements, strengthening accountability, protecting beneficiaries’ rights, and ensuring that social interventions are delivered according to professional standards that safeguard privacy and dignity.
The meeting also discussed preparing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Social Development and the Syndicate of Psychologists and Social Workers, setting out the framework for cooperation, coordination mechanisms, and the distribution of responsibilities between the two parties, paving the way for clearer and more sustainable procedures for professional licensing.
The meeting comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to develop the professional environment for those working in the social sector and strengthen partnerships with syndicates and relevant professional bodies, contributing to greater efficiency and improved quality of social services provided to citizens.