Social Workers value openness and transparency in professional practice [Code of Ethics, Value 4]. With any regulated profession, the public is entitled to know the name of the person from whom they are receiving service.  If a member of the public wants to confirm that they are receiving services from a Social Worker in good standing, it is important that the name under which the Social Worker practices is the same as on the public Register.  For these reasons, both the name under which the Social Worker practices and name on the Certificate of Practice must be the Social Worker’s legal name.

In the event of safety concerns or other extenuating circumstances related to the use of a legal name, a member may contact the College for exceptional accommodation, to be determined on a case by case basis.

Frequently asked questions:

*Please note, the names used as examples belong(ed) to real people and are used to provide context.

Q: Everyone knows me by my first two initials.  How should I reflect this in my practice, including in how I introduce myself and what I put in writing in places like my business cards, letters and my email signature?

A: Provide your legal name both verbally and in writing.  Provide your “common” (commonly known as) name in brackets:

i.e. “Kathryn Dawn (KD) Lang”

Q: I legally changed my name when I got married, but have always used by birth name in my practice.  How do I make sure that my clients and colleagues can still find me?

A: Provide your legal name both verbally and in writing.  Provide your “common” (commonly known as) name in brackets:

i.e. “Todd (Baechle) Fink”

Q: I have multiple middle names and have always gone by one of my middle names. How should I proceed?

A: Provide your legal name both verbally and in writing.  Provide your “common” (commonly known as) name in brackets:

i.e. “Joseph Philippe (Pierre) Yves Elliott Trudeau”

Q: Everyone knows me by a variation of my name.  How do I make sure I’m being transparent in my practice and clear about my name?

A: Provide your legal name both verbally and in writing.  Provide your “common” (commonly known as) name in brackets:

i.e. “Ibola (Ibi) Szalai Grossman”

or

i.e. “Dr. Marjorie (Maggie) Hodgson”

Q: People know me by another (cultural/honour/family) name.  How can I be sure that I can be found on the register?

A: Provide your legal name both verbally and in writing.  Provide your “common” (commonly known as) name in brackets:

i.e. “Cheryl (Bear) Barnetson”

or

i.e.  “Marion (Grandmother) Ironquil Meadmore”