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KINDNESS IN REGULATION New leadership’s priorities at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers: In conversation with Registrar and CEO, Denitha Breau
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The Registrar staff elationship-building has always been a core tenet of Denitha Breau’s professional beliefs.
the retirement of Lise Betteridge.
“No matter what sort of professional capacity you work The Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Social in [in regulation], I don’t believe you need to act in a cerWorkers and Social Service Workers says that organic tain way, or become a different persona, to build relaconnections lead to an understanding of how health tionships,” says Breau. “You can still execute your tasks care is enacted in practice. According to Breau, the corby infusing a certain level of kindness in your day-tonerstone of these connections lies in kindness, which day work, while also staying factual.” she believes is the key factor contributing to the College’s success as the largest regulator of licensed mental health professionals in Ontario. Professional start The College currently regulates over 28,000 social workers and social service workers across the province of Ontario and is supported by a 21-member Council and over 40 staff members. Its ongoing mandate is to serve and protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. Breau was appointed to the role as Registrar and CEO in August 2023 following 12 THEREGISTRAR.CA
Trained as a registered nurse, Breau’s initial career endeavours began in provincial hospital and community care spaces. Recognizing the impactful changes that can be achieved in patient and client care, she seized an opportunity to join the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
