World Social Work Day 2023

BASW is proud to once again be connecting with social work colleagues around the world to celebrate and support World Social Work Day on 21 March and to offer events, celebrations and engaging communications throughout the month of March.

World Social Work Day is an opportunity to shine a light on our collective achievements, reflect on shared global values and champion the extraordinary work of our profession.

This year’s theme is “Respecting diversity through joint social action.” To find out more and download this year’s poster, please have a look at the IFSW website.

The theme comes from the International Federation of Social Workers People’s Charter for a New Eco Social World which promotes the power of local actions and diverse communities working together to achieve transformational change towards all living ‘with confidence, security, and peace in a sustainable world.’

We continue to face instability and challenges both at home and globally, including the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis. The devastating impact of Covid is also still being experienced across societies and we all continue to focus on supporting each other to stay safe and well. The value of social work for individuals, families and communities during these uncertain and difficult times is immense. It is through and with our communities that, as social workers we are able to keep doing vital work. And this years’ theme focuses us on how we work together with each other, and with communities to make tangible progress for all – using our skills and understanding of inclusivity, working through the messy stuff of human relationships, and working across boundaries that can divide for the benefit of all.

World Social Work Day not only provides a platform to showcase the invaluable role of our profession, but to also thank and show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of social workers everywhere.

We are pleased to let you know that BASW is once again running our Amazing Social Worker campaign. This is a wonderful way to recognise the accomplishments of a colleague and promote our profession. We want your nominations of social workers in any roles- direct practice, leadership or management, education and more. We will then create a shortlist of nominees to recognise their outstanding contributions on our website and social media, with their agreement.

Throughout March, BASW is offering a variety of events and activities from all corners of the UK. Each nation will be running their own event, exploring a range of themes and aspects of social work practice. Each one is full of experience, reflection, knowledge and celebration; providing a unique opportunity to join with colleagues across the country, hear different experiences, develop your learning and be inspired. Please take a look at our programme and I’m sure you’ll find something to suit your passion and interests.

Looking ahead, our UK Conference taking place on 13 June. We will be bringing the social work community together to celebrate and explore the value of social work, our allyship with people we work with, and the courageous responses the profession is making during tough political and economic times through themes of Practice, Research and Solidarity.

We also hope you will mark World Social Work Day in your workplace, whether through a formal event or just sharing your experiences with colleagues and what it means to you to be involved in our profession. The IFSW has resources and ideas on their website which I would encourage you to explore. If you decide to organise an event or activity, please share your plans with us- we would love to hear what you’re doing and give you a shout out! And if you think we could contribute to your event on the day, please get in touch with us to discuss it.

In the meantime, we take this final opportunity to wish you a very happy World Social Work Day 2023 when it comes and look forward to seeing you at an event soon.