BASW Congratulates David N Jones on Honorary Degree

David received his Honorary Degree in recognition of his many exceptional contributions to the social work profession in the UK, including in various academia, practice and voluntary roles, as well as internationally. 

During his time as President of IFSW, David was actively involved in launching World Social Work Days and worked with BASW to help establish this as a core part of the year for all UK social workers. He also helped launch the Diaspora Special Interest Group during his time as Chair of BASW’s International Committee.

Having first joined BASW as a student, David has gone on to majorly shape and influence the association’s direction and work through a range of different roles over many years, including that of General Secretary. This is in addition to his various contributions to social work internationally, including with the Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work and Children and Families Across Borders.

David was awarded his honorary doctorate alongside four other esteemed individuals from the worlds of business, food, broadcast and higher education at the university’s Foundation Day ceremony, held on 22 November, commemorating the establishment of the University of London in 1836. 

Paying tribute to David’s achievement, BASW UK Chair, Julia Ross said:

“Today we celebrate the outstanding achievement and lifelong contribution to social work by David N Jones, BA (OXON). MA (Nottm), PhD (Warwick) CQSW. David is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate at London University at a special ceremony this evening, attended by his wife Rachel, sister Bridget who is well known to BASW, two of his daughters and myself as Chair Of BASWUK. David earlier received BASW’s Life Time Achievement Award to Social work in June this year at our Annual General Meeting. He is indeed a legend both nationally and internationally and we are honoured by his dedication to professional social work over many years.

“He specialised in child protection before being appointed to national and international roles including General Secretary, British Association of Social Workers (1985-94); professional roles in government departments, the Audit Commission and Ofsted. He served as President to the International Federation of Social Workers (2006-10), having previously served as Chair of the International Committee. He was a founding Board member of Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work (1994-present). He found time to act as Governor to Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust and serviced on many committees. He steered consultations on the Commonwealth Charter for Young Carers.  Amongst his many publications, he edited the first UK multi-professional textbook on child protection (1982).

“David is also enormously well liked and respected for his values. He recently said, “None of us commit ourselves to social work and activity with and for BASW to achieve recognition – for many of us it is just the right way to live!”