The BASW Student Ambassador scheme launched in November 2022. BASW Student Ambassadors link social work students and BASW together, so that we can hear the voices of students and build understanding of the support BASW offers.
The scheme is co-produced between BASW, current students, University programmes and BASW's student and NQSW groups.
Meet some of our ambassadors!
Hallelujah Tor Annakar
Oxford Brookes University
Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BASW Student Ambassador Scheme because I wanted to be more than just a student completing a qualification. I wanted to be actively connected to the profession I’m entering. Being part of that network allows me to engage with conversations shaping the future of social work, not just observe them from the sidelines. I also saw the role as an opportunity to amplify student voices, particularly those navigating training, placement pressures, and questions about professional identity. What I’ve enjoyed most so far is the sense of community. Engaging with other student and BASW colleagues has reminded me that social work is not an isolated journey. It’s collaborative, reflective, and values driven.
Tully Cairns
Goldsmiths University of London
BA Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BASW Student Ambassador to be a part of making a change for Social Work Students. And I have really enjoyed the opportunities that BASW offers to do that.
I'm currently completing my first placement and I'm thoroughly enjoying throwing myself into the environment.
Just a little shout out to Jacqueline Wilson for writing Tracy Beaker, thank you mother!
Lauren Leggatt-Bulaitis
University of East Anglia
Social Work Masters
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the scheme because I am passionate about politics, equality, and the policies that shape and change our profession and the lives of the people we work with. I have enjoyed networking with colleagues across the United Kingdom. I have signed up to the coaching service and had a very insightful first session.
Lisa Longdon
University of Derby
Applied Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I became a BASW student representative because I wanted to use my voice to support and advocate for fellow social work students. Being in this role has allowed me to connect with others who share the same passion for social justice and meaningful change. I’ve especially enjoyed interacting with students across different stages of their studies, hearing their experiences, and bringing their ideas forward. Being part of inspiring events and networking with committed professionals has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. Most of all, I’ve valued the opportunity to help make a positive difference within our student community and beyond.
One of my key achievements as a BASW student representative has been supporting first-year students as they settle into university life. I’ve helped them feel welcomed, informed, and confident as they begin their social work journey. I’m proud of the ways I’ve encouraged new students to get involved with BASW, helping them see the value of joining a professional community early on. Seeing first-years become engaged, motivated, and connected has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
Chris Bennett-Taylor
Robert Gordon University
Msc Social Work (Postgrad)
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme to feel more connected to the profession while studying, and to help strengthen the link between social work students and BASW as a professional body. As a career changer returning to full time study, I was keen to engage with the wider professional community, promote the value of ethical and reflective practice, and support fellow students to see BASW as a source of advocacy, guidance, and professional identity rather than simply a membership organisation. What I have enjoyed so far is the sense of belonging to a professional network that is values led and student focused. The role has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own developing social work identity, to share information and resources with peers, and to contribute in a small but meaningful way to promoting student voice within the profession. I have particularly valued the emphasis on ethics, social justice, and professional standards, which aligns closely with my reasons for entering social work.
I am proud of successfully transitioning from a long career in HR into social work and fully engaging with the academic and professional demands of the course. As a BASW Student Ambassador, I have worked to raise awareness of BASW, promote its resources, and encourage students to connect with the professional body and its values early in their careers.
I hope to help students see BASW not just as a membership organisation, but as a professional home that supports, represents, and connects us throughout our careers.
Tina Odu
University of East Anglia
BA Social Work Degree Apprenticeship
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BSA scheme because I wanted to grow, learn new skills, connect with other students, and develop myself outside of my university classroom and placement experiences. Being part of the scheme has allowed me to engage with students nationally, and I have been inspired by their enthusiasm, activism, and leadership across a wide range of endeavours. I have enjoyed the opportunities to contribute to projects such as planning the BASW 2025 student conference ,and promoting BASW within my university. The free membership as a BSA and access to training and development resources has been really cool and helpful.
As an ambassador, you are encouraged to share your ideas and are supported to develop them. I was a part of the planning committee for the 2025 BASW Student Conference and delivered workshops alongside other students and professionals. I also had the privilege of serving as one of two student co-hosts for the Decolonising Social Work Field Education podcast series, which is available at dialogueswfe.org. I have also promoted BASW within my university community and contributed to the wider conversation in social work by writing two blog publications based on CPD courses offered by the BASW Charitable Foundation for Social Workers.
Reuben Odoma
University of Hull
MA Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I am enjoying the network of student ambassadors and qualified Social Workers with diverse and combined years of experience. I have been exposed to a rich mine of social work resources and training materials that help me to build my leadership role among my student peers.
Charlie Bowman
Ulster University
BSc (Hons) Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme because I am passionate about social work values & wanted to help amplify the voices of social work students, particularly in Northern Ireland. I saw the role as an opportunity to connect my peers with BASW resources, promote good practice & contribute to shaping the profession I am entering. So far, I have really enjoyed meeting other student social workers, sharing ideas & being part of a wider professional community. The scheme has helped me to build confidence, develop my communication & advocacy skills & feel more involved in national conversations about social work education & practice.
In general, one of my key achievements has been progressing to final year of my BSc (Hons) Social Work while balancing significant work & caring responsibilities, which has strengthened my resilience, time management & commitment to the profession. As a BASW Student Ambassador, I have taken an active role in sharing information about BASW with my peers, signposting them to resources, support & encouraging conversations about social work values & practice. I have contributed to promoting student voice within my university by listening to peers’ experiences & feeding these back through the ambassador scheme, which has developed my confidence, communication & leadership skills.
MJ Lace
Cardiff Met
BSc Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
Community, connection to other students and collaboration!
I have requested free membership for students two years ago and feel listened to, and my opinion valued. Volunteered to do a workshop at the student conference felt able to share the amazing work of BASW and IFSW.
I am grateful this Ambassador Scheme is available.
Stephanie Maxwell
Queens University Belfast
BA Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the Student Ambassador Scheme in order to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and develop myself professionally. I have really enjoyed meeting other Student Social Workers in varying stages of their qualification - it has been both insightful and very reassuring as the journey ahead can look a bit daunting in First Year!!
I have recently become a Peer Buddy on a Social Citizenship Course for adults with learning disabilities.
Background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Working with young children/ mental health.
Krishna
University of Staffordshire
MA Social Work
Why I became a Student Ambassador
I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme because I wanted to learn more about social work and meet others who share the same passion for helping people. I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in events, sharing ideas with other students, and learning from experienced professionals.