In a bid to ensure the credibility of Hong Kong’s social worker regulator, appointments to a panel under scrutiny have been paused. The head of the Social Workers Registration Board, Herman Hui Chung-shing, emphasized the importance of selecting candidates with a clean background and good reputation. The aim is to present an image that is widely accepted and maintains the public’s trust in the disciplinary committee panel.
Recent legislative amendments have allowed the board to disqualify individuals convicted of national security offenses and certain crimes. This move follows concerns that the board failed to prevent convicted individuals from working in the sector. The appointment of government-appointed members has also increased to strengthen oversight and depoliticize the sector.
The decision to review candidates for the disciplinary committee panel comes after objections were raised regarding individuals with ongoing legal cases being appointed. Hui’s priority includes establishing fair procedures for dealing with such cases within the panel.