BRIEF HISTORY OF HKCSS

In the 1940s, Hong Kong recovering from World War II had experienced drastic social and economic changes. There was massive influx of refugees from the Mainland which generated the need to carry out large-scale relief work. Charitable organizations and welfare agencies provided services and assistance to those in need. The Committee on Voluntary Emergency Relief Council was then set up to co-ordinate and plan various welfare services. As the number of welfare agencies increased and services provided became diversified, the coordination effort became more and more important. By 1947, the Committee developed into the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (hereinafter called "the Council"), and became a body corporate in 1951.

The Council has grown since then to become an umbrella organization around 400 Agency Member, that provide over 90% of the social welfare services for those in need through their 3,000 service units all over Hong Kong.

Our Position

The Council represents, with clear vision and professional expertise, non-governmental social service agencies committed to sustain and develop social services in Hong Kong.

Our Values

The Council and its member agencies believe in social justice and equality, and the intrinsic rights of every individual. While society is obliged to provide individuals with the basic social and economic resources to develop their potentials, individuals in turn should carry out their responsibilities towards their families and society, to be self-reliant and to achieve self-actualization.

Our Vision

To build a social service sector that is highly accountable, efficient, effective and responsive to social needs, upholding the long-term sustainable development of society and the well-being of our citizens.

Our Mission

To promote the development of social welfare together with its member agencies, through:

• Enhancing accountability of social welfare service agencies;
• Promoting improvement of social welfare services;
• Facilitating agencies to better serve the community;
• Advocating equality, justice, social integration and a caring society;
• Setting the local welfare sector as a model of excellence in the international community.