Member update – BASW Chief Executive and SWU General Secretary

Yesterday the Social Workers Union (SWU) Executive agreed that the duties of the General Secretary shall be carried out by the Acting Assistant General Secretary, David Allan, during the period of Hilton Dawson’s absence from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).

Further to this meeting we can now confirm that Mr Dawson has been suspended from his role as BASW Chief Executive to allow for the independent investigation of allegations which have been made about his conduct. In his absence, Bridget Robb has been appointed Acting Chief Executive of BASW.

Bridget and David will work together to ensure BASW and SWU continue to operate effectively in the very best interests of members.

It is important to stress that suspension is a neutral act to enable a full and proper investigation when potentially important conduct issues are considered. Since the case concerns confidential personnel matters, BASW will be offering no further comment at this stage.