Board of Social Study and Training

The Board of Social Study and Training in New South Wales was founded at a conference called on 6 July 1928, on the initiative of the National Council of Women, who were anxious to see a course of lectures leading to a Certificate in Social Study and Training established. The Board, once established, was not a University entity but a private organisation.

The Board had close links with the University. A proposal for a draft course for the July meeting had been drawn up by staff of the University of Sydney, including Professor R. C. Mills, Professor T. Lovell, Professor A. Mackie, Professor A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, Dr. A. H. Martin and Mr. F. A. Bland. Students who passed a two year course taught at the University then were awarded a Certificate by the Board of Social Study and Training.

In its report for 1928 Senate noted in regard to the Board of Social Study and Training. "42. Professor H. Tasman Lovell, Professor E. C. Mills, and D r. A. H. Martin have been elected as representatives of the University on the Board of Social Study and Training. This Board has been formed to provide and to control a course of study both theoretical and practical for students desirous of being trained as social workers. The course is specially designed for students seeking professional training that should lead to salaried or honorary positions in Public Administration, Industrial Welfare Work, Vocational Education, Child Welfare Work, Social Service in Clinics and Hospitals, Factory Inspection and various other types of social work."

The Board's object was to meet the need to provide and control a course of study both theoretical and practical and to grant a certificate in Social Study and Training to students who have successfully completed the course. [Board's Biennial Report ending 1930]

The constitution for the Board was adopted on 7 September 1928 and provided, inter alia, for a committee of seven examiners: three from the University of Sydney, 3 from institutions offering field work facilities, and one being the Director of Practical Work. The Board was to meet 4 times per year, the Executive once per month during the Academic year. There were 21 participating organisations.

13 female students commenced training in 1929. In 1930, Miss B. Buring was appointed "Supervisor of Students and Director of Field Work", with Miss M.C. Davis as Honorary Director.

Being offered a grant by the Government to establish a Department of Social Work the Senate of the University gave it some consideration at its meeting on 4 February 1940, and on 19 February 1940, resolved to establish a "Board of Studies in Social Service Work". This consisted of 13 members with a view to instituting a diploma in Social Service Work within the University of Sydney.

The Board of Social Study and Training considered that its primary objective of a recognised course had been achieved, and decided to wind up its affairs. Responsibility for training was transferred to the University of Sydney and the Board ceased its activities. At its AGM in June 1940 it gave its Executive Committee power to deal with all matters winding down its training activities. This was done by April 1941. Remaining assets were transferred to the University of Sydney Settlement Playground Committee.