The positioning of the Council adopted in its 2001 organization restructuring is confirmed by the Executive Committee in the Follow Up Strategic Review in 2002 to be relevant and should be maintained. It is :

"HKCSS is an umbrella organization representing non-governmental welfare agencies, that strives with clear vision and professional expertise to sustain and develop social welfare in Hong Kong."

The "vision" of the Council is :

"to build a welfare 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."

"Professional expertise" is based on the set of values that the Council upholds :

• The Council and its member agencies "believe in social justice and equality, and affirm the intrinsic rights of every individual. Society is obliged to provide individuals with the basic social and economic resources to develop their potentials. Individual should carry out their responsibilities towards their families and society, to be self-reliant and to achieve self-actualization."
• It is opined that with its professional expertise, the Council should take a proactive role to provide direction and organize the welfare sector in meeting common challenges and to contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the community.

The commitment to "sustain and develop social welfare" in the society is based on our belief in the mission of social welfare, as adopted by the Council and its member agencies at the 1st Welfare Convention held in December 2001:

• Social Welfare is an Investment of Human Capital Social welfare enables individuals to cope with and excel in life by providing opportunities and removing barriers. It offers professional assistance to enhance the capacities, skills, interests, and orientation of individuals to live adequate and fulfilling lives.
• Social Welfare as a Fabric for Social Cohesion Social Welfare creates the necessary trust, cooperation and community spirit in the society. It strives to build social harmony and acceptance among social groups with different expectations and needs. It prevents social exclusion of vulnerable groups who may be marginalized because of weaker competitive power. It reinforces citizenship and engages cross-sector efforts in joint partnership for the betterment of society.
• Social Welfare as in Infra-structure for Sustainable Social Development Social Welfare promotes equality and diversity. It provides the social safety net to help the impoverished. It strengthens the social systems and functions, which gives support to individuals and improve the equality of life for sustainable social development.