Join the SASW National Standing Committee

The Scotland Committee has vacancies for committed, curious and creative SASW/BASW members to help us be even better for all our members

The Scottish Association of Social Work, part of BASW UK, is run by and for members.  We work:

  1. For social workers: Supporting, protecting and inspiring social workers in all roles, and the next generations of professionals.
  2. For social work: Developing professional ethics, practice, knowledge, research and learning.
  3. For a better society: Speaking out for social work and social workers on social justice, equality, poverty, human rights, oppression and other vital social issues in the UK and internationally.

SASW has a small staff team to deliver its annual business plan which is developed and overseen by the national standing committee.  Committee members make a valuable contribution to the profession and to the work of our association.  As a Committee member, you bring your experiences of direct practice, policy work, management and leadership or academia directly into the work of SASW. We need all these voices guiding our work and particularly welcome application from people with diverse backgrounds to guide, support and challenge our work.  

Being on Committee offers a great opportunity to engage in national discussions and to influence Scottish social work. SASW activity (meetings, preparation, reflection) can count towards your SSSC learning requirements. It’s a great opportunity to contribute to events, consultations and to represent SASW at national meetings and events in Scotland, BASW Council and other BASW UK committees.

The Scotland National Standing Committee (NSC) has a maximum of 15 people. plan. We have an elected Chair and two Vice-Chairs. Two people are selected from the Scotland Committee to become BASW UK Council members. Travel expenses are reimbursed for all Committee members.

Meetings are online four times a year. All meetings are by Microsoft Teams although we try to meet up in person every so often. 

If you would like a chat with our Co-Chairs, Caroline or Toyin, about the role please email scotland@basw.co.uk and we’ll put you in touch. 

The application process

Please complete the attached application form and return to scotland@basw.co.uk by 14 October.

There are potentially two processes by which people join Committee.

1        If more than the number of vacant Committee spaces apply, we will hold an election in accordance with BASW UK rules.

2        Otherwise, after you have applied, SASW Chair/Vice-Chair will arrange an informal discussion with you.  If everyone is content to proceed, your application will be shared with Committee who will be asked to approve your application.  We use this process for advisers and co-opted members also.

Timeline for Committee applications October 2024

  1. Applications will close on 14 October 2024
  2. If there is to be an election, we aim to run the election from 21 to 28 October. 
  3. Applicants will be told of their result as soon as possible.

We hope to be able to announce our new Committee members by 4 Nov.