The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) serves as a main regulatory body for the practice of Social Work in Guyana, committed to enhancing the knowledge, efficiency, and ability of its members.

The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers is a Statutory Non-governmental Professional Organization, established on the 30 April 1991 under the Friendly Society’s Act. The primary objective of the Association in accordance with its constitution is to ensure the regulation of the practice of social work through the promotion of knowledge, ethical standards and skill sets of its members. This ensures its members and clients at all times receive the services of proficient and competent Practitioners of high ethical standards. In addition, the organization has a social mandate, which affords it the opportunities to work with various populations including individuals, families, couples, children and communities through various projects and collaborative engagements.

Professional social workers are those who graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and are eligible for membership of the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers, while those who graduate with the Associate/Diploma in Social Work deemed as junior social workers and are eligible for associate membership with the GAPSW. Some of the main roles ascribed to the social work profession include counselors, first responders, educator, administrators, evaluators, policy makers, broker, mediator, and advocates. Social Workers engage in issues of social justice, abuse and discriminatory practices.