Two draft codes of conduct and practice for social service workers were launched for consultation by Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday.

Prepared by a working group that included representatives from the sectors involved, the codes lay down nationally-agreed professional standards and represent a milestone in the history of social service workers.

They will help raise the image of the professions in the sector and increase the understanding of its work. The codes are also a key step in the introduction of a regulatory system for social care.

"The setting of proper standards of conduct and practice for social care and service workers and employers is an important step for this country.

"The government constantly aims to better itself through the quality of services on offer and through the constant remodelling and recreation of the social services sector," Ms Cristina said.

She said that legislation was enacted regulating the pyschology and social work professions, the Department for Social Welfare Standards was set up and the agencies Appogg, Sedqa and Sapport were amalgamated into the Foundation for Social Welfare Services. Moreover, a one-off grant was being given to child day care facilities to improve standards. The government was now opening up the codes to consultation.

"I trust we will receive suggestions that will highlight improvements to be made so that the draft codes will be practical and effective, while ensuring they safeguard all parties involved."

The draft codes call on social and care workers to safeguard and promote the interests of service users and carers and to strive to maintain the trust and confidence of those they deal with.

Employers are expected to use rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only people who are suitable and competent join the workforce.

The consultation process kicks off with a seminar at St Joseph Home, Sta Venera, on October 10 at 9.30 a.m. This is organised by the working group.

The public can access the codes online at the ministry's website www.mfss.gov.mt.

A printed version can be collected from the Department for Social Welfare Standards, Centru Hidma Socjali, Bugeja Institute, Sta Venera. Copies will also be distributed at the seminar.

Feedback should be sent to the Department for Social Welfare Standards or e-mailed to welfare.standards@gov.mt by December 15.

Further information can be obtained from the department on 2148 3116/2144 1311 or via e-mail at welfare.standards@gov.mt.