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3 January 2026
A NEW YEAR OF SHARED STRENGTH, JUSTICE AND SOCIAL PROGRESS
NEW YEAR GREETING FROM COSW PRESIDENT
18 October 2025
NEW PRESIDENT OF COSW – DR K. S. RAMESH – CHENNAI, TAMILNADU, INDIA
Dr K. S. Ramesh has been announced as the new President of the Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work with the unanimous endorsement of the COSW Council. He takes over from Dr Sylvia Daisy Romanus who stands down after 5 years in the role (pictured above).
6 October 2025
Webinar on 16th October 2025 UTC 16:00 hrs. – 17:30 hrs.
REALISING THE STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SOCIAL WORK IN COMMONWEALTH NATIONS
9 September 2025
COSW Newsletter No 8 published
Highlights In The Newsletter
➢ COSW Council first meeting & new Board members
➢ New Secretary General and Strategic Plan
➢ Malawi Social Work Practitioners Bill
➢ Pacific solidarity, Nigerian Social Work Council delay
➢ Fit for our Commonwealth, USAID cuts, Africa webinar
➢ CHOGM 2026, Nairobi 2026, Senegal 2025
➢ Sri Lanka 2025, Council member reflects
➢ Barbados association history
➢ Stop Press – Foundation and IFCO leadership
➢ COSW Associate opportunities
Find it here https://cosw.info/newsletter/
9 September 2025
ZOOM LINKS FOR FOURTH ANNUAL COSW POLICY FORUM
4 September 2025
“FROM FRAGILITY TO FORTITUDE” – COSW POLICY FORUM FOCUSES ON AFRICAN civil society IN TURBULENT TIMES – SATURDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2025
A new report: “From Fragility to Fortitude: Building Resilient African CSOs in the Wake of the US Government Funding Collapse” will be a key element in the 2025 COSW annual Policy Forum. Open access available on a Zoom platform at 06.00 and 16.00 UTC/GMT.
24 August 2025
“FROM FRAGILITY TO FORTITUDE” – UPDATE ON SPEAKERS – FOURTH ANNUAL COSW POLICY FORUM ONLINE – 13 September 2025
A new report: “From Fragility to Fortitude: Building Resilient African CSOs in the Wake of the US Government Funding Collapse” will be a key element in the 2025 COSW annual Policy Forum, followed by a pan-Commonwealth panel discussion and audience questions.
11 August 2025
Save the date – cosw policy forum – 13 September 2025
6 June 2025
PODCAST EXAMINES THE TRUMP EFFECT ON AID AND DEVELOPMENT
COSW contributed to a podcast which explores the impact of sudden, wholesale cuts to the USAID funding on health and social services across the global south. The cuts have harmed individual and community health and created substantial unemployment. Media attention has moved on but the destruction and pain remain.
5 June 2025
DELAY IN CONSTITUTING NIGERIAN SOCIAL WORK COUNCIL CRITICISED BY SOCIAL WORK LEADERS
Social work leaders in Nigeria have declared that the absence of a Council to regulate social work is undermining the growth and progress of the profession in the country.
1 June 2025
NEW COSW COUNCIL CONVENES FOR FIRST FORMAL MEETING
The first meeting of the new COSW Council took place on Zoom on Saturday 24th May 2025. COSW President, Sylvia Daisy Romanus, thanked the Council members for their enthusiasm and constructive engagement. She commented after the event: “this was an historic event for COSW, with more than a quarter of Commonwealth countries represented. We have laid the foundations for the continued growth and development of social work in the Commonwealth and our influencing of Commonwealth agendas. In these difficult global times, we need to reassert our commitment to social justice, social development and the positive contribution of social work. I have every confidence that the new COSW Council has the necessary skills and determination to make a difference and to live up to our social work and Commonwealth values.”
30 May 2025
FIT FOR OUR COMMONWEALTH
Report of the Commonwealth Civil Society Policy Forum 2025
COSW welcomes publication of the report of the Commonwealth Civil Society Policy Forum 2025, convened by Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance (CHPA) and submitted to the Commonwealth Health Ministers’ Meeting (CHMM), Geneva on 17th May 2025. COSW made a significant contribution to the Forum and the report.
12 May 2025
NEW COSW COUNCIL CONVENES FOR FIRST INDUCTION WEBINAR
25 March 2025
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS RECOGNITION OF SOCIAL WORK ACROSS AFRICA
18 March 2025
WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY 2025 – IFSW/COSW POSTER
15 March 2025
IFCO STATEMENT ON GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
21 February 2025
CHPA STATEMENT – FREEZE OF USA OVERSEAS AID
20 February 2025
Regulating social work in Africa – Progress in achieving recognition of social work
14 February 2025
fit for our commonwealth – REGISTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING POLICY FORUM on a positive workforce environment
14 January 2025
Social work voice resonates around the commonwealth
Activity Report 2023-4
14 January 2025
Commonwealth activities by social workers – Activity Report 2023-2024
20 November 2024
SOCIAL WORK INFLUENCING THE COMMONWEALTH AGENDA
COSW POLICY FORUM 9 NOVEMBER 2024
Link to videos of the Policy Forum
5 November 2024
COSW Policy Forum Programme and zoom links
24 October 2024
SOCIAL WORK HELPS SHAPE COMMONWEALTH PRIORITIES AT HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING IN SAMOA
22 October 2024
COSW supports CHOGM side event on a resilient future for all children
COSW played a key role in planning a CHOGM side event in Samoa on 22 October 2024 in support of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Children Interest Group. Speakers included David Lammy (UK Foreign Secretary), Layne Robinson (Commonwealth Secretariat), Yvonne Crichton-Hill (COSW delegation) and Helen Jones (ComCIG and It’s a Penalty), with other contributions from UNICEF and Hope and Homes and a musical performance by young people from Commonwealth Resounds. The background briefing paper (below) was drafted by Helen Jones and David N Jones (COSW Board Member and Chair of ComCIG).
22 October 2024
COSW SUPPORTS INDEPENDENT FORUM OF COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATIONS AT CHOGM 2024 – SAMOA
21 October 2024
COSW event at commonwealth heads of government meeting – samoa
10 October 2024
PACIFIC SOCIAL WORK DELEGATION Represents COSW AT samoa CHOGM 2024
27 September 2024
COSW POLICY FORUM – 9 NOVEMBER 2024 – SAVE THE DATE!
9 august 2024
COSW LAUNCHES ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP PORTAL
The President of the Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work (COSW) invites all social workers and social work organisations in the Commonwealth to join the COSW network as Associate Members. Visit the Associate Membership portal.
25 July 2024
Respecting and revitalising the Commonwealth’s commitment to civil society
Independent Forum of Commonwealth Organisations submission to the Committee of the Whole, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM), endorsed by COSW
18 July 2024
ENSURING SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE IS RECOGNISED AT THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING IN OCTOBER 2024
28 June 2024
COMMONWEALTH HEALTH MINISTERS COMMIT TO TACKLING GLOBAL WORKFORCE CHALLENGES IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
6 June 2024
18 COMMONWEALTH YOUNG CARERS URGE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THE COMMONWEALTH YOUNG CARERS CHARTER in a new video
17 May 2024
FORMER COSW BOARD MEMBER HONOURED WITH A ‘LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SERVICES TO SOCIAL CARE’
17 may 2024
COSW BOARD MEMBER REPRESENTS SOCIAL WORK AT UN CIVIL SOCIETY CONFERENCE IN NAIROBI
22 April 2024
Contested values of social work in time and place. Exploring ‘origins of social care and social work’ – Social Work History Network webinar supported by cosw
This international webinar explores ‘The Origins of Social Care and Social Work’ (Policy Press, 2022) in which Professor Mark Henrickson (Auckland, New Zealand) argues that European and North American notions of helping – or managing – poor and marginalised people have deep roots in religious texts and traditions which continue to influence contemporary social work.
Two presentations by Mark will be followed by a live panel discussion with Prospera Tedam (Dublin), Linda Harms-Smith (Pretoria) and Sarah Banks (Durham) who will focus especially on the ethical challenges for social work in a diverse, post-colonial world.
Zoom link in programme details attached. Register at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/contested-values-of-social-work-in-time-and-place.-exploring-origins-of-social-care-and-social-work
15 March 2024
BASW Diaspora Dialogues: Celebrating Social Workers on the Move
Dedicated to celebrating the contributions of overseas qualified social workers in the United Kingdom, this event, linked to World Social Work Day, aims to recognise and honour the vital role that international social workers play in enriching the social work profession and positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities across the UK. Visit the BASW website for registration.
11 March 2024
One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth
COSW celebrates Commonwealth Day
5 March 2024
Commonwealth Civil Society Policy Forum 2024
Actionable Solutions to Building Resilience in Healthcare Systems within the Commonwealth, with an Emphasis on Small and Vulnerable States
COSW is an active member of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance and pleased to be contributing to this annual civil society policy forum on health and wellbeing.
14 December 2023
COSW ANNUAL REPORT ILLUSTRATES INFLUENTIAL SOCIAL WORK VOICE IN THE COMMONWEALTH
10 December 2023
Freedom, Equality and Justice for All – Human Rights Day 2023
24 November 2023
COSW BOARD MEMBER DAVID N JONES RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
Song for young carers – ORITSÉ Williams – Commonwealth Young Carer Champion – watch the video
13 November 2023
25 October 2023
COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATES ‘CRUCIAL ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS’
cosw policy forum 21st October 2023
11 OCTOBER 2023
join open access webinar on social policy & social work in the commonwealth – Saturday 21st October 2023 06.00 & 16.00 UTC
30 September 2023
Acknowledging the Impact of Indigenous Residential Schools: Commemorating Orange Shirt Day
COSW commends the statement by the IFSW Indigenous Commission concerning the legacy of the policies of disruption of Indigenous families mandated by government policies in many colonial and settler settings. The COSW Statement on Human Rights for all people in the Commonwealth acknowledges ‘the legacy of colonialism, racism and other discriminations which have left an indelible legacy within the Commonwealth’.
COSW recognises that, ‘at times, social workers were involved in disrupting Indigenous families and taking children away to residential schools’. Throughout its history, there have been times when social workers have been complicit in the implementation of state policies which have breached human rights, with lasting consequences for individuals, communities and states. The profession needs to learn from these painful realities.
‘I encourage all social workers throughout the Commonwealth to inform themselves of this painful history and to reflect on how to prevent such abuses of human rights in the difficult times in which we live‘, said Sylvia Daisy Romanus, COSW President.
28 september 2023
COSW ACHIEVEMENTS AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH MINISTERS MEETING OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOUNG CARERS WORLDWIDE
25 September 2023
RESERVE THE DATE – SECOND ANNUAL POLICY FORUM – 21st OCTOBER 2023 – 06.00 – 07.30 or 16.00 – 17.30 (UTC)
The theme of our second annual Policy Forum is ‘The contribution of the Commonwealth to Global Social Policy’. The panel of speakers will include former Commonwealth Secretariat senior official Matthew Neuhaus from Australia and IFSW President Joachim Mumba from Zambia. Speakers from other regions will be announced shortly.
COSW has had a busy and influential year, including such themes as young carers, physical and mental health, child care law reform, human rights, safeguarding and child protection, involvement of older people, youth and social development and many more. Log into the Policy Forum to find how the voice of social work has contributed to developments in the Commonwealth and the contribution of the Commonwealth to global social policy.
Webinar link will be posted here before the event.
21 September 2023
REGULATING THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA – WEBINAR – 28 SEPTEMBER 2023
This is the second in an occasional series of webinars co-ordinated by COSW examining the development of and current arrangements for regulation of social work and social workers in different Commonwealth countries. This webinar features eminent contributors from India and Sri Lanka. Future webinars on developments around the Commonwealth are planned and will be announced from time to time on the website and social media.
Open link to the webinar: https://meet.google.com/drh-ohvs-zyy
1 September 2023
COSW MEMBERS TAKE HISTORIC DECISION TO RADICALLY RESHAPE THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
24 August 2023
COSW deplores targeted ill-treatment of women in LOCAL AND global conflicts
24 June 2023
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR COSW BOARD MEMBER
4 May 2023
Young Carers Voices – International perspectives
COMMONWEALTH YOUNG CARER WEBINAR – 8 & 9 JUNE 2023
Register now to join on one or both days to hear young carers from several countries describing their experience as young carers and saying why governments should endorse the Commonwealth Young Carers Charter. The webinar is organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, COSW and the Young Carers Alliance and hosted by the UK-based Carers Trust.
21 March 2023
Diversity is beauty – COSW statement celebrating World Social Work Day and Commonwealth Day
11 March 2023
Commonwealth Young Carer Champion – Oritsé Williams – highlights need to respond to the voices of young carers on Commonwealth Day – 13 March 2023
“Thousands of children and young people around the Commonwealth help look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol addiction”, said Commonwealth Young Carer Champion and JLS star Oritsé Williams, speaking on the eve of Commonwealth Day 2023.
Some of these are children as young as four or five years old – and I was one of them. I want to ensure that, on Commonwealth Day 2023, the voices of these children are heard”, Oritsé continued.
23 February 2023
COSW partners with JLS Star Oritsé Williams to Promote Commonwealth Young Carer Charter
14 February 2023
COSW celebrates Commonwealth Day and World Social Work Day
COSW is marking Commonwealth Day on 13th March 2023 and World Social Work Day on 21st March 2023 with a webinar on migration of social workers, which aims to enhance respect for the diversity of migrating social workers through our joint action (see below).
Migration webinar – Tuesday 14th March 2023 12.30 – 13.45 (GMT/UCT)
Many social workers migrate from one country to another every year because of a wide variety of individual decisions. The experience of migration – moving to work in a different country from that where one trained – is profound for the individual (and their family if one is involved). It works well for some but the previous work experience of the social worker can be ignored or devalued on arrival and settling in can be more difficult than expected.
This webinar, with speakers from all Commonwealth regions, will explore the reasons for and experiences of migration and the responsibilities of employers in receiving countries. It is the right of individual social workers to move to the place where their skills are used to best advantage and they have the lifestyle they prefer. On the other hand, there are consequences for countries and organisations as a result of migration, in both sending and receiving countries. It is not aiming to encourage or discourage social workers to migrate.
Keynote address by Professor Liz Beddoe (New Zealand) co-editor of Transnational Social Work’. Speakers from India, Africa, Caribbean, North America and UK.
Download the programme to see the sessions and speakers and to register. Registration required! Non-UK attendees can enter code INTGUEST on the registration form to register without paying the fee
29 November 2022
Statement on the climate emergency and the outcome of COP27
COSW is pleased to be a signatory to the following statement issued by 20 Commonwealth Organisations following the end of COP27 in Egypt and sent to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The statement draws attention to the fact that: ‘The impacts of climate change do not fall evenly across Commonwealth countries. Those who have added most to global warming – the rich northern industrialised countries – are most able to protect their populations from climate change impacts but should also support calls to fund adaptation and mitigation measures in the Commonwealth South.’
The statement concludes: ‘Looking ahead, Commonwealth States have an obligation to prevent, address, and remedy the negative human rights impacts caused by climate change. They also need to remove the barriers to participation at COPs and at related meetings that are faced by activists and by marginalised and vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, older people and persons with disabilities.’
‘We wish to celebrate the breakthrough agreement to provide “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters and congratulate negotiators from across the Commonwealth on this achievement. However, the lack of ambition on emissions reduction leaves much to be done in preparation for COP28.’
Image from United Nations website
6 November 2022
COSW convenes first online Policy Forum
COSW held its first ever online and interactive meeting on Saturday 22nd October 2022 for social workers and students in the Commonwealth, national associations, universities and anybody else who wishes to support COSW activities, attended by around 250 participants from all regions in the Commonwealth. The outcomes are presented in this short summary.
20 October 2022
COSW annual activity report published
The COSW activity report is published today reporting on participation in CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda, human rights for all, decolonisation, Young Carers Charter, professional networking, new Children’s Cluster, IFSW/UNRISD People’s Summit, several webinars (including Comparative Histories of Social Work in the Commonwealth) and much more, all ensuring a visible social work voice in the Commonwealth.
In her foreword, COSW Chair Sylvia Daisy Romanus (India) writes ‘The past year has been yet another incredible journey for COSW. There has been consistent coordination between COSW and the global social work bodies, international NGOs and the other Commonwealth Organisations. … It is becoming more and more evident that COSW, with its strong networks, is promoting the Commonwealth goals of prosperity, democracy and peace.’
The report also highlights the new governance arrangements for COSW, being phased in over the next two years. The report and governance arrangements are being discussed in an open Policy Forum on Saturday 22 October 2022 in two identical meetings at 06.00 and 16.00 UTC/GMT.
NOTE TO EDITORS
COSW is an organisation for citizens of the Commonwealth who are interested in supporting social work and social development. It is supported by social work associations in the Commonwealth. It aims to promote and support communication and collaboration between social workers and social work associations of Commonwealth countries, and to uphold and promote the code of ethics of the International Federation of Social Workers. This statement can be found on the COSW website www.cosw.info/cosw-news
Contact David N Jones +44-1604-414345 ComSocWk@aol.com Twitter @CwlthSocWk
14 October 2022
COSW Newsletter issue 4 published
28th September 2022
COSW invites supporters to the first online Policy Forum on 22 October 2022 – open to all
Calling all social workers and students in the Commonwealth, national associations, universities and anybody else who wishes to support COSW activities to join an open meeting on Saturday 22 October. There are two open meetings so people from all time zones can choose the best time for them to participate – 06.00 and 16.00 (UTC).
See the attached poster for information and joining details.
9th September 2022
COSW shares a deep sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.
29 June 2022
COSW WELCOMES OPENING OF THE GLOBAL PEOPLE’S SUMMIT – CO-BUILDING OUR SHARED FUTURES – 29 JUNE – 2 JULY 2022
The People’s Global Summit, ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ is already underway. The Summit will run 24 hours for four days.
Sylvia Romanus, COSW Chair, commented: ’this remarkable partnership of global organisations and local communities is voicing the experience of millions around the world calling for new approaches, peace and social justice. COSW is proud to be a part of this landmark event and calls on political leaders to respond with generosity and determination. Social workers all over the world are ready to respond, supporting people and communities to realise their human potential.’
16 June 2022
SOCIAL WORKERS PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF
GOVERNMENT MEETING 19-25 June 2022
COSW launches further consultation on proposed Commonwealth Young Carers Charter – responding to the voices of young carers
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM 2022
Submission by Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (COs) April 2022
18th April 2022
2022 Commonwealth Civil Society Policy Forum
Commercial determinants of health: evidence, tools, dialogue, advocacy
Online forum | 27 April 2022 | 09:30 – 12:00 midday (London time)
REGISTER NOW | CCSPF 2022 Program Final
COSW is a Member organisation of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance (CHPA)
4 April 2022
COSW welcomes news that UN Secretary-General will open Global People’s Summit
29 March 2022
COSW webinar 5 April 2022 on social work and public health
14 March 2022
COSW Commonwealth Day statement reaffirms the commitment of social workers to public service and calls on The Commonwealth to facilitate vaccine equity.
08th March 2022
COSW Newsletter – 3rd Issue Released
02nd March 2022
Commonwealth social workers stand firmly against acts of aggression
7th December 2021
COSW LAUNCHES ACTIVITY REPORT 2019-2021
SPEAKING OUT FOR SOCIAL WORK IN THE COMMONWEALTH 2019 – 2021
8th November 2021
World Leaders Invited to Join Global Mass Movement for Eco-Social Change
24th October 2021
COSW is inviting proposals and abstracts for a webinar in March 2022 on the history and development of social work across the Commonwealth.
26th Aug. 2021
Open letter to United Nations – current and unfolding situation in Afghanistan
22nd Aug. 2021
2nd Issue of COSW Newsletter released
31st July 2021
COSW joined as a partner for the ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ Summit initiated by UNRISD and IFSW
Press Release – 16th July 2021 – Board Meeting
12th July 2021
Press Release – 30th June 2021
COSW Statement on Human Rights for all people in the Commonwealth
17th June 2021
In memory of Terry Bamford – 12th May 2021 video online
COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK Webinar – 29 March 2021 – Video online
29th April 2021
Memorial -Remembering Terry’s life, his work and the impact he had – 12th May 2021 7pm – 8pm UK Time
9th April 2021
COSW recognises the long and distinguished service of Prince Philip to the Commonwealth and sends deepest condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth
20th March 2021
CHOGM 2021 – Submission by Commonwealth Civil Society Organisations
29 March 2021 Webinar
SOCIAL WORK HISTORY NETWORK COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK
Registrations open (click here)
16th March 2021
1st Issue of COSW Newsletter released
8th March 2021
International Women’s day – Commonwealth social workers work for gender equality
6th March 2021
COSW JOINS COALITION OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR GLOBAL EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR VACCINE AND TO INCREASE HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION WORKFORCE
29 March 2021 Webinar
SOCIAL WORK HISTORY NETWORK COMMONWEALTH HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK
Registrations open (click here)
CALL TO ACTION ON SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION – COSW Press release
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COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION FOR SOCIAL WORK BOARD MEETING AND VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING SOCIAL WORKERS HELPING TO SHAPE THE COMMONWEALTH
1 April 2022
COSW 