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 of over 400 Agency Members, 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.
Service Development
Promote service excellence and innovation to address changing social needs
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Elderly Service
- Children and Youth Service
- Family and Community Service
- Rehabilitation Service
- Internet Learning Resource Centre
Policy Research and Advocacy
Advocate for social justice and social development
-
Social Development
- Poverty and Social Security
- Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
- Social Impact and Research
Sector and Capacity Development
Build strong NGO sector, promote international and regional collaboration
- HKCSS Institute
- HKCSS Reference Library
- IT Resource Centre
- Membership Liaison and Service
- International and Mainland China Affairs
Public Engagement and Partnership
Promote caring society, CSR and philanthropy
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Caring Company Scheme
- HKCSS CSR Institute
- WiseGiving
- HKCSS Channel
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There are two kinds of membership: Agency Members
and Life Members. As Council's core businesses focus on the work
of social service organizations, no new application for Life Membership
would be accepted since our organizational review in 2001. Social
service organizations whose aims and objects are in harmony with
those of the Council and who have an active interest in the social
service field or those who provide as their primary function a
bona fide direct social service which helps to meet the existing
needs of the community are eligible to apply for the Council's
membership.
Agency Members
According to Clause 13 of the Council's Constitution,
organizations wishing to apply for the Council's membership must
fulfill the following criteria in order to be eligible:
-
They must be recognized by the Council
as being a non-profit-making body;
-
They must have been in operation for a
period of at least one year;
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They must possess a Constitution or similar
document in incorporation;
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They must publish their annual report and
audited accounts or certified accounts with regards to annual
income and expenditure;
-
They must comply with such other conditions
as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee from time
to time.
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