MPs sign pledge to support social workers
At a parliamentary reception held in November 2018, BASW and SWU took a significant step in influencing policy makers to improve working conditions for social workers by lobbying MPs from across the country and political divide.
The drop-in event at the House of Commons saw BASW and SWU engage MPs with the latest research – UK Social Workers: Working Conditions and Wellbeing 2018 – from Dr. Jermaine Ravalier, which shows that while social workers are strongly engaged in their work, they are increasingly hampered by poor working conditions, lack of resources and high caseloads.
BASW’s live Twitter feed captured over 20 ministers and one Lord sign a pledge to support social work and social workers and improve working conditions.
BASW chief executive Ruth Allen says: “There was genuinely strong support and interest from across the political spectrum in our social workers working conditions and wellbeing campaign in Parliament. Political attention is important for long term policy change and it was interesting to talk about the role of MPs in promoting a positive narrative of social work.”
BASW chair Gerry Nosowska added: “The event made a big impression on me, it shows the impact our professional association has on raising the profile of social work, influencing law & policy, upholding human rights and gaining support for our work.”
SWU general secretary John McGowan said: “Creating the right working conditions for social workers is so important as currently they are not fit for purpose.”