BASW “thriving” says chief executive

BASW chief executive Hilton Dawson offered a glowing analysis of the Association’s current state in his annual report to members. “BASW is thriving: we have more members, more money, more staff and a new trade union arm which is growing in membership and influence every day.

“We are improving our publications and have undertaken a hugely important revision of our Code of Ethics, as well as constantly investing in services for members at an extremely difficult time for the profession.”

Despite the upbeat assessment of the Association’s finances, Mr Dawson was asked to defend the £364,819 budget deficit reported for BASW’s 2010/11 financial year. Roger Greeff, former BASW treasurer, questioned how the organisation could be in rude financial health with such a notable trading loss.

The BASW chief executive responded by emphasising that the loss was accounted for as part of a one-off investment programme, funded by part of the Association’s capital and reserve fund, which even at the end of the financial year (30 September 2011) stood at £1.49 million.