The Institute of Social Work Act

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.507
CHAPTER 110
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
part ii
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK
3. Establishment of Institute.
4. Objects and functions of Institute.
part iii
ADMINISTRATION
5. Board.
6. Powers and duties of Board.
7. Decrees.
8. Board may appoint Committees.
part iv
THE STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE
9. Principal.
10. Secretary.
11. Appointment.
part v
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
12. Funds of Institute.
13. Power to invest.
14. Estimate of expenditure and revenue.
15. Financial statements and report.
16. Annual statements of accounts.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.508
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
part vi
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
17. Regulations.
18. Fees and allowances.
19. Minister may give directions.
20. Irregularity of proceedings.
21. Protection of members of Board, Committees, etc..
SCHEDULE

Fees and allowances.
19. Minister may give directions.
20. Irregularity of proceedings.
21. Protection of members of Board, Committees, etc..
SCHEDULE

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.509
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS1
1. This Act may be cited as the Institute of Social Work Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise-
“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Institute
established by section 5;
“decree” means a decree promulgated by the Board under
section 7;
“financial year” in relation to the Institute includes the
Institute’s first accounting period, whether shorter
or longer than a year and if the Institute changes its
accounting period, the period, whether shorter or longer
than a year, employed to give effect to the change;
“Institute” means the Institute of Social Work established by
section 3;
“member” in relation to the Board includes its Chairperson;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for matters
relating to social welfare;
1 Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Short title
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Interpretation
Acts Nos. 25 of 2002 Sch. CHAPTER 110
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT
An Act to establish the Institute of Social Work and to provide for related
matters.1
[14th January, 1974]
[GN. No.

0
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT
An Act to establish the Institute of Social Work and to provide for related
matters.1
[14th January, 1974]
[GN. No.

25 of 1974]
Acts Nos. 26 of 1973
25 of 2002

25 of 1974]
Acts Nos. 26 of 1973
25 of 2002

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.510
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
“Principal” means the Principal of the Institute appointed
under section 9;
“Secretary” means the Secretary of the Institute appointed
under section 10;
“student” means any person accepted for any course of study
conducted by the Institute. PART II
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK2
3.–(1) There is hereby established an institute to be known as
the Institute of Social Work. (2) The Institute shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and a common seal;
(b) in its corporate name be capable of suing and being
sued;
(c) be capable of purchasing and otherwise acquiring, and
of alienating, any movable or immovable property; and
(d) subject to the provisions of this Act, have power from
time to time to borrow any sums of money which it
may require for its purposes. 4.

rty; and
(d) subject to the provisions of this Act, have power from
time to time to borrow any sums of money which it
may require for its purposes. 4.

The objects and functions of the Institute shall be-
(a) to provide facilities for the study of, and for training
in, the principles, procedures and techniques of
community development and social welfare and any
other related subjects which the Board may decide;
(b) to conduct training programmes leading to professional
qualifications in generic and multi-functional social
practice and development and any other related
subjects which the Board may decide;
(c) to stimulate and promote the pursuit by students of
specialised and higher professional courses of study in
2 Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Establishment of
Institute
Act No. 25 of 2002
Sch
Objects and
functions of
Institute

higher professional courses of study in
2 Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Establishment of
Institute
Act No. 25 of 2002
Sch
Objects and
functions of
Institute

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.511
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
social work in accordance with national policies and
development requirements;
(d) to create a sense of public responsibility in the students
and to prepare them to work with the people of
Tanzania for the benefit of the nation;
(e) to co-operate with the Government of the United
Republic and other persons or organisations in the
carrying out of any of the purposes for which the
Institute is established;
(f) to sponsor, arrange and provide facilities for conferences
and seminars for discussion of matters relating to
welfare and social development;
(g) to conduct examinations and to grant diplomas,
certificates and other awards of the Institute;
(h) to arrange for the publication and general dissemination
of materials produced in connection with the work and
activities of the Institute. PART III
ADMINISTRATION
5.–(1) There shall be a Board of Governors of the Institute of
Social Work.

ion with the work and
activities of the Institute. PART III
ADMINISTRATION
5.–(1) There shall be a Board of Governors of the Institute of
Social Work.

(2) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act shall have
effect as to the composition of the Board, tenure of office of its
members, termination of their appointments, the proceedings
of the Board and otherwise in relation to the Board and its
members. (3) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette
amend, vary or replace the Schedule to this Act. 6.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the government
and control of the Institute shall be vested in the Board. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of
subsection (1), the Board shall have power-
Board
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Powers and duties
of Board

cular, and without prejudice to the generality of
subsection (1), the Board shall have power-
Board
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Powers and duties
of Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.512
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(a) to administer the properties of the Institute both
movable and immovable;
(b) to administer the funds and other assets of the Institute;
(c) to signify the acts of the Institute by use of the common
seal;
(d) on behalf of the Institute to receive gifts, donations,
grants and other monies;
(e) subject to the provisions of this Act, to appoint
any officers of the Institute whom it may consider
necessary; and
(f) to do all other acts and things which are provided for
in this Act or which are, in the opinion of the Board,
necessary or expedient for the proper discharge of the
functions of the Institute.

provided for
in this Act or which are, in the opinion of the Board,
necessary or expedient for the proper discharge of the
functions of the Institute.

7.–(1) The Board may promulgate decrees-
(a) fixing enrolment fees and other charges;
(b) subject to regulations made under this Act, prescribing
the terms and conditions of service, including
appointment, dismissal, salary and retirement and
other terminal benefits of the members of the staff of
the Institute;
(c) prescribing the qualifications necessary for entry to
the Institute, the courses of instruction to be provided
by the Institute, the duration and number of academic
terms and the grant of diplomas, certificates and other
awards of the Institute;
(d) regulating the grant of scholarships, and the revocation
of any such grant; and
(e) regulating discipline among the members of the staff of
the Institute and the students. (2) It shall not be necessary for the Board to publish in the
Gazette any decree promulgated by it under this section:
Provided that, where any decree is not so published, the
Board shall, in any other manner it determines, bring the
Decrees

d by it under this section:
Provided that, where any decree is not so published, the
Board shall, in any other manner it determines, bring the
Decrees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.513
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
decree or cause it to be brought, the decree to the notice of all
persons who are or are likely to be affected by it. 8.–(1) The Board may, appoint any Committees which it
considers necessary and, subject to the provisions of this Act
and any directions given by the Minister in that behalf, delegate
to any Committee any of its functions under this Act. (2) A Committee appointed under this section shall be
composed of any number of members as the Board may
determine and the members shall be appointed by the Board:
Provided that, at least one-third of the total number of the
members appointed to the Committee shall be appointed from
amongst the members of the Board. (3) The quorum necessary for the conduct of any business
of any Committee appointed under this section shall be fixed
by the Board. (4) Where the Board establishes a Committee under this
section, the Board shall elect one of its members to be the
Chairperson of the Committee.

oard. (4) Where the Board establishes a Committee under this
section, the Board shall elect one of its members to be the
Chairperson of the Committee.

(5) Where at any meeting of a Committee appointed under
this section the Chairperson is absent, the members present
may elect one of their number to be the Chairperson for that
meeting. (6) Subject to the provisions of this Act and any regulations
made under it in that behalf, and subject to any directions given
by the Board in that behalf, a Committee appointed under this
section may regulate its own proceedings. (7) For purposes of this section Principal shall be deemed
to be a member of the Board. PART IV
THE STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE
9.–(1) The Minister shall, on recommendation of the Board,
appoint a suitable person to be the Principal of the Institute. Board may
appoint
Committees
Principal
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch.

mendation of the Board,
appoint a suitable person to be the Principal of the Institute. Board may
appoint
Committees
Principal
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.514
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(2) The Principal shall be the Chief Administrative and
Academic Officer of the Institute and shall be responsible to
the Board-
(a) for the proper administration of the Institute in
accordance with the policy laid down by the Board;
(b) for the management of the academic affairs of the
Institute in accordance with the policy laid down by
the Board;
(c) for the proper enforcement of decrees; and
(d) for the discipline of the students. (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the
appointment of the Principal and the terms and conditions of
his service shall be stated in the instrument of appointment. 10.–(1) The Principal shall be the Chief Executive Officer of
the Institute and the Secretary to the Board. (2) The Secretary shall be entitled to attend the meetings of
the Board but shall not be entitled to vote unless he is also a
member of the Board. 11.–(1) The senior administrative and academics staff of the
Institute shall be appointed by the Board.

vote unless he is also a
member of the Board. 11.–(1) The senior administrative and academics staff of the
Institute shall be appointed by the Board.

(2) The junior members of staff of the Institute shall be
appointed by the Principal. PART V
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
12.–(1) The funds and resources of the Institute shall
consist of-
(a) any sums which may be provided for purposes of the
Institute by Parliament, either by way of grant or loan;
(b) any donations, grants, bequests and loans which the
Institute may, receive from any person or organisation;
(c) any sums which the Board may, with the consent of the
Minister, borrow for purposes of the Institute;
Secretary
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Appointment
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Funds of Institute

onsent of the
Minister, borrow for purposes of the Institute;
Secretary
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Appointment
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Funds of Institute

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.515
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(d) any sums which may in any manner become payable
to or vested in the Institute either under the provisions
of this Act or any other written law, or incidental to the
carrying out of its functions. (2) The funds and resources of the Institute shall be applied
to the purposes for which the Institute is established under this
Act. 13. The Board shall have power to invest the funds of the Institute
in any investments which are authorised by, and subject to any
conditions as prescribed by, the Trustees Investments Act, in
relation to investment of funds by a trustee. 14.–(1) The Board shall, in respect of every financial year,
cause to be prepared estimates of the expenditure and revenue
of the Institute, and any estimates shall be approved by the
Board before the commencement of any financial year.

mates of the expenditure and revenue
of the Institute, and any estimates shall be approved by the
Board before the commencement of any financial year.

(2) Except with the consent of the Minister in writing, no
expenditure shall be incurred for purposes of the Institute
otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of the annual
estimates or of any supplementary estimates approved by the
Board. (3) Copies of every annual estimate and of every
supplementary estimate prepared in accordance with this
section shall be submitted to the Minister. 15.–(1) The Board shall cause to be prepared in respect of
every financial year-
(a) a statement of income and expenditure during the
financial year;
(b) a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Institute
on the last day of that financial year; and
(c) a report upon the progress and work of the Institute
during the financial year, and shall cause the statements
and report to be submitted to the Minister. (2) Within six months after the end of each financial year
the Board shall cause the statements referred to in paragraphs
Power to invest
Cap. 53
Estimate of
expenditure and
revenue
Financial
statements and
report

Board shall cause the statements referred to in paragraphs
Power to invest
Cap. 53
Estimate of
expenditure and
revenue
Financial
statements and
report

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.516
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(a) and (b) of subsection (1) to be audited by the Controller
and Auditor-General and copies of the report of the auditor
shall be submitted to the Minister together with the statements
to which the report relates. 16. The Minister shall, as soon as may be practicable after he
has received copies of the statements and not later than seven
months after the close of a financial year, or any longer period
which the National Assembly may, by resolution, approve in
that behalf, lay before the National Assembly copies of the
statements referred to in subsection (1) of section 15 together
with copies of the report of the auditor referred to in subsection
(2) of that section.

tatements referred to in subsection (1) of section 15 together
with copies of the report of the auditor referred to in subsection
(2) of that section.

PART VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
17.–(1) With the consent of the Minister, the Board may make
regulations for the better carrying out of the purposes of this
Act, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing,
may make regulations-
(a) prescribing the terms and conditions of service,
pension and retirement benefits and the like, of staff;
(b) providing for and regulating disciplinary proceedings
against the officers of the Institute and students;
(c) prescribing fees for admission to the Institute;
(d) prescribing fees payable by the candidates for any
examination held or conducted by the Institute;
(e) prescribing the financial procedures of the Institute;
(f) prescribing diplomas, certificates and other awards
which may be granted or conferred by the Institute;
(g) prescribing the conditions which must be satisfied
before any diploma, certificate or other award, may be
granted;
(h) regulating the conduct of examinations;
Annual
statements of
accounts
Regulations

before any diploma, certificate or other award, may be
granted;
(h) regulating the conduct of examinations;
Annual
statements of
accounts
Regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.517
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(i) providing for anything which may be prescribed under
this Act. (2) The Board shall cause to be published in the Gazette any
regulations made under this section. 18. The Board may, with the approval of the Minister, issue
directions prescribing fees and allowances payable to the
members of the Board or a Committee. 19. The Minister may give to the Board directions of a general
or specific character and the Board shall give effect to every
such direction. 20. An act or proceeding of the Board or of a Committee
appointed by the Board shall not be invalid by reason only of
the number of the members not being complete at the time of
the act or proceeding or of any defect in the appointment of
any member or of the fact that any member was at the time in
question disqualified or disentitled to act as such.

of any defect in the appointment of
any member or of the fact that any member was at the time in
question disqualified or disentitled to act as such.

21.–(1) No matter or thing done by any person exercising or
purporting to exercise any function under this Act or under
any subsidiary legislation made under it shall, if done in good
faith in the execution or purported execution of his functions
under any of the provisions of this Act or any subsidiary
legislation, subject that person to any action, liability, claim or
demand. (2) For the avoidance of doubts it is hereby declared that
the provisions of this section shall be without prejudice to the
provisions of section 284A of the Penal Code. Fees and
allowances
Minister may give
directions
Irregularity of
proceedings
Protection
of members
of Board,
Committees, etc. Cap. 16

the Penal Code. Fees and
allowances
Minister may give
directions
Irregularity of
proceedings
Protection
of members
of Board,
Committees, etc. Cap. 16

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.518
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
SCHEDULE
(Made under section 5(2))
1. In this Schedule the “appointing authority” means, in the case of the
Chairperson, the President, and in the case of any other member of the
Board, the Minister. 2. The Board shall consist of-
(a) a Chairperson who shall be appointed by the President;
(b) not more than ten and not less than seven members who
shall be appointed by the Minister. 3. In making appointments of members of the Board, the Minister
shall ensure that there is adequate representation on the Board of the
Organisations and professional and academic bodies as are likely to
utilize the skills and disciplines to be promoted by the Institute and
shall further ensure that every person appointed by the Minister is a
person who, in the Minister’s opinion, has the necessary experience or
qualifications to enable that person to make useful contribution to the
deliberations of the Board and to assist the Board in the discharge of its
functions. 4.

ions to enable that person to make useful contribution to the
deliberations of the Board and to assist the Board in the discharge of its
functions. 4.

The tenure of office of Board members shall be three years from the
date of appointment and shall be eligible for reappointment:
Provided that, any new Board shall have at least one third of the
outgoing members. 5. Where any member absents himself from three consecutive meetings
of the Board without reasonable excuse, the Board shall advise the
appointing authority of the fact and the appointing authority may, if
it deems fit so to do, terminate the appointment of the member and
appoint another member in his place. 6. Where any member is by reason of illness, infirmity or absence
from the United Republic, unable to attend any meeting of the Board,
the Minister may appoint a temporary member in his place and such
temporary member shall cease to hold office on the resumption of office
by the substantive member. 7. The Board shall elect one of its members to be the Vice-Chairperson
and any member elected as Chairperson shall, subject to his continuing
to be a member, hold office of Chairperson for a term of one year from
the date of his election, and shall be eligible to be re- elected. 8.–(1) The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

of one year from
the date of his election, and shall be eligible to be re- elected. 8.–(1) The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

(2) Where at any meeting of the Board the Chairperson is absent,
the Vice-Chairperson shall preside. Interpretation
Composition
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Appointments of
members
Tenure of
appointment
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Absence from
three consecutive
meetings
Appointment
of temporary
member
Vice-Chairperson
Powers of
Chairperson and
Vice-Chairperson

o. 25 of 2002 Sch. Absence from
three consecutive
meetings
Appointment
of temporary
member
Vice-Chairperson
Powers of
Chairperson and
Vice-Chairperson

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.519
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(3) In the absence of both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson
at any meeting of the Board, the members present may, from amongst
their number, elect a temporary Chairperson, who shall preside at that
meeting. (4) The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or temporary Chairperson,
presiding at any meeting of the Board, shall have a vote and, in the
event of an equality of votes shall have a casting vote in addition to his
deliberative vote.

any meeting of the Board, shall have a vote and, in the
event of an equality of votes shall have a casting vote in addition to his
deliberative vote.

9.–(1) Subject to any general or specific directions by the Minister, the
Board shall meet not less than four times during every financial year
and at any additional times which may be fixed by the Chairperson or,
if he is absent from the United Republic or is unable for any reason to
act, the Vice-Chairperson:
Provided that, the Chairperson or, if he is absent from the United
Republic or is unable for any reason to act, the Vice-Chairperson
shall, at the request of at least seven members, summon a meeting
of the Board within thirty days of the request being made to him in
writing. (2) The Secretary of the Board shall give to each member not less
than fourteen days’ notice of the time and place of the meeting. 10.–(1) At any meeting of the Board not less than one-third of the
members in office for the time being shall constitute a quorum. (2) Where a quorum is not present within one hour of the time
appointed for the meeting the members present or the majority of them,
or any one member if only one member is present, or the secretary if no
member is present, may adjourn the meeting to any time not later than
fourteen days from the date of adjournment. 11.

present, or the secretary if no
member is present, may adjourn the meeting to any time not later than
fourteen days from the date of adjournment. 11.

All questions at a meeting of the Board shall be decided by the
majority of the votes of members present and voting at the meeting. 12. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Schedule decisions
may be made by the Board without a meeting, by circulation of the
relevant papers among the members and the expression of the views of
the majority thereof in writing:
Provided that, any member shall be entitled to require any decision
to be deferred and the subject matter to be considered at a meeting of
the Board. 13.–(1) The seal of the Institute shall be of such shape, size and form as
the Board may determine. (2) The seal shall be affixed in the presence of-
Meeting and
procedure of
Board
Quorum
Decisions of
Board
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Decision by
circulation of
papers
Seal
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch.

ce of-
Meeting and
procedure of
Board
Quorum
Decisions of
Board
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch. Decision by
circulation of
papers
Seal
Act No. 25 of 2002 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.520
THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK ACT [CAP. 110 R.E. 2023]
(a) the Principal;
(b) any other officer of the Institute whom the Principal may
nominate in that behalf, and the person or persons present
shall sign over or underneath the seal in witness.
14. Subject to paragraph 13, all conveyances, transfers, contracts,
guarantees, agreements, bonds, mortgages, charges, bills of exchange,
promissory notes, bank drafts, letter of credit, securities and any other
instruments to which the institute is a party shall be executed on behalf
of the institute by-
(a) the Principal; or
(b) any other officer of the Institute whom the Principal may
nominate in that behalf.
15. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule the Board may regulate its
own proceedings.
Execution of
contracts, etc.
Act No.
25 of 2002 Sch.
Board may
regulate its
proceedings