With the rapid development of social service sector, the demand for professional social workers has been very acute in mainland China over recent years. Representing over 330 social service organizations in providing over 90% of the social welfare services for those in need in Hong Kong, the HKCSS has a long history in promoting social welfare development together with its member agencies in Hong Kong since 1947. Various Hong Kong-Mainland exchanges activities over the years have confirmed the role of Hong Kong Social Welfare sector as one of the professional knowledge hub in the region. The council also maintains itself as the first point of contact in Hong Kong for Mainland social welfare bodies or concerned governmental organizations.

Apart from various exchange visits, IRN recently has received a lot of requests from mainland officials and NGOs staff for training programmes especially those in Shenzhen. As such, IRN has planned a series of training programmes for mainland social workers and community workers.