BASW Student Ambassadors

I joined because social work training can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating financial hardship on top of it all. When I didn't receive a student bursary, BASW gave me a space to speak honestly. Through a student focus group, my experiences were taken seriously and shaped into real advocacy for improved student funding. That moment showed me what this role could be.

I've loved that ambassadorship meets you where you are — whether that's organising events, running campaigns, or simply sending resources to your university WhatsApp group (which I do regularly). The meetings are genuinely a space to vent, connect, and find out you're not alone. For me, being a BASW Student Ambassador has been equal parts advocacy, community, and sanity.

Achievements

I am deeply humbled to serve as a BASW England Committee Representative for Students and Newly Qualified Social Workers; advocating for student voice at a national level is something I don't take lightly. I know the pressures students face because I've lived them, with neurodivergence (ADHD), failing and retaking a year, financial hardship, racism and microaggressions, and that's exactly why this role means everything to me.
Being named Social Work Student of the Year 2025 and CCC Awards Young Visionary of the Year 2026 genuinely moved me. These recognitions remind me to show up authentically for students and the charities I represent.
I founded Social Work Survival Files to create a safe space for social work students to learn and connect with professionals. I serve as Co-Chair of the Kiyan Prince Foundation Youth Advisory Board and Trustee of the Young Crown Foundation. My social work training has deeply shaped my nonprofit work; you can't separate the values from the practice.
I've also contributed to the Community Care forum with my article ADHD & Me, and written a book review for Julia Ross's The Laughing Robot. Both reflect my passion for accessible, honest storytelling that connects with students where they actually are.

I wholeheartedly recommend joining BASW. It gave me the focus groups and professional support, and credibility to advocate for students at a national level, and it can do the same for you. Whether you simply become a member or step into a Student Ambassador role, BASW offers mentoring, CPD, and a professional network that truly backs you. It has helped me with better grades, studies and build confidence in placement. Your voice matters in shaping the future of social work. 

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme out of a genuine passion for the social work profession and a desire to represent student voices, while also welcoming the opportunity to build professional skills, expand my network, and feel part of a wider professional community.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador Scheme because I wanted to be more than just a student completing a qualification. I wanted to be actively connected to the profession I’m entering.  Being part of that network allows me to engage with conversations shaping the future of social work, not just observe them from the sidelines. I also saw the role as an opportunity to amplify student voices, particularly those navigating training, placement pressures, and questions about professional identity.  What I’ve enjoyed most so far is the sense of community. Engaging with other student and BASW colleagues has reminded me that social work is not an isolated journey. It’s collaborative, reflective, and values driven.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme to have a greater involvement in Social Work. I have held such a love for the profession from a very young age and was so intrigued at the opportunities that BASW could offer. So far I have enjoyed attending meetings with other people who love the profession as much as me and being able to keep my university class as up-to-date as possible.  

I joined the scheme because I am passionate about politics, equality, and the policies that shape and change our profession and the lives of the people we work with. I have enjoyed networking with colleagues across the United Kingdom. I have signed up to the coaching service and had a very insightful first session.

I became a BASW student representative because I wanted to use my voice to support and advocate for fellow social work students. Being in this role has allowed me to connect with others who share the same passion for social justice and meaningful change. I’ve especially enjoyed interacting with students across different stages of their studies, hearing their experiences, and bringing their ideas forward. Being part of inspiring events and networking with committed professionals has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. Most of all, I’ve valued the opportunity to help make a positive difference within our student community and beyond.

One of my key achievements as a BASW student representative has been supporting first-year students as they settle into university life. I’ve helped them feel welcomed, informed, and confident as they begin their social work journey. I’m proud of the ways I’ve encouraged new students to get involved with BASW, helping them see the value of joining a professional community early on. Seeing first-years become engaged, motivated, and connected has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme to feel more connected to the profession while studying, and to help strengthen the link between social work students and BASW as a professional body. As a career changer returning to full time study, I was keen to engage with the wider professional community, promote the value of ethical and reflective practice, and support fellow students to see BASW as a source of advocacy, guidance, and professional identity rather than simply a membership organisation.  What I have enjoyed so far is the sense of belonging to a professional network that is values led and student focused. The role has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own developing social work identity, to share information and resources with peers, and to contribute in a small but meaningful way to promoting student voice within the profession. I have particularly valued the emphasis on ethics, social justice, and professional standards, which aligns closely with my reasons for entering social work.

I am proud of successfully transitioning from a long career in HR into social work and fully engaging with the academic and professional demands of the course. As a BASW Student Ambassador, I have worked to raise awareness of BASW, promote its resources, and encourage students to connect with the professional body and its values early in their careers.

I hope to help students see BASW not just as a membership organisation, but as a professional home that supports, represents, and connects us throughout our careers.

I joined the scheme to further develop my professional identity and engage more actively with the wider social work community, beyond my academic studies. I enjoy the community aspect of this scheme and interacting with like minded individuals.

I am enjoying the network of student ambassadors and qualified Social Workers with diverse and combined years of experience. I have been exposed to a rich mine of social work resources and training materials that help me to build my leadership role among my student peers.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme because I am passionate about social work values & wanted to help amplify the voices of social work students, particularly in Northern Ireland. I saw the role as an opportunity to connect my peers with BASW resources, promote good practice & contribute to shaping the profession I am entering. So far, I have really enjoyed meeting other student social workers, sharing ideas & being part of a wider professional community. The scheme has helped me to build confidence, develop my communication & advocacy skills & feel more involved in national conversations about social work education & practice.

In general, one of my key achievements has been progressing to final year of my BSc (Hons) Social Work while balancing significant work & caring responsibilities, which has strengthened my resilience, time management & commitment to the profession. As a BASW Student Ambassador, I have taken an active role in sharing information about BASW with my peers, signposting them to resources, support & encouraging conversations about social work values & practice. I have contributed to promoting student voice within my university by listening to peers’ experiences & feeding these back through the ambassador scheme, which has developed my confidence, communication & leadership skills.

Community, connection to other students and collaboration!

I have requested free membership for students two years ago and feel listened to, and my opinion valued. Volunteered to do a workshop at the student conference felt able to share the amazing work of BASW and IFSW.

I am grateful this Ambassador Scheme is available.

I joined the Student Ambassador Scheme in order to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and develop myself professionally. I have really enjoyed meeting other Student Social Workers in varying stages of their qualification - it has been both insightful and very reassuring as the journey ahead can look a bit daunting in First Year!! 

I have recently become a Peer Buddy on a Social Citizenship Course for adults with learning disabilities.

Background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Working with young children/ mental health.

I wanted to become a student ambassador for the British Association of Social Workers because social work is something I genuinely care about, not just as a future career but as a way of making a positive difference in people’s lives. During my studies, I’ve learned a lot about myself, the challenges people face, and the importance of support, understanding, and advocacy.

I know that being a social work student can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming, especially when trying to balance university, placements, and personal responsibilities. Having support and feeling connected to others makes a real difference, and I would like to be someone who encourages and supports fellow students through their journey.

Becoming a student ambassador gives me the opportunity to represent students, share useful information and opportunities, and help create a positive and supportive environment. I would also enjoy building my confidence, meeting new people, and being more involved within the social work community.  I enjoy reading magazines and I'm aiming to support the BAME community and I would like to share my personal blog or story on how I joined social work.

Most importantly, I would be proud to represent BASW and contribute to promoting the values of empathy, respect, and inclusion that are at the heart of social work.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme because I am passionate about social justice, mental health advocacy and promoting positive, relationship-based social work. I have really enjoyed connecting with other students and professionals, sharing experiences and feeling part of a supportive professional community.

I am currently studying Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast alongside balancing placement and parenting. Prior to this, I completed a Master’s in Human Rights Law and Criminal Justice and worked across community and support services. Through the BASW Ambassador scheme, I was proud to write a featured article for the BASW website and student newsletter exploring lived experience and social work practice. I am passionate about advocating for compassionate, anti-oppressive practice and positive conversations around mental health.

I am passionate about helping people feel heard, supported and empowered. I hope to encourage others considering social work and to represent student social workers in Northern Ireland in a positive and authentic way.

I joined the Student Ambassador scheme to be part of a space that felt welcoming and genuinely valued student perspectives. I’ve enjoyed being linked in across diverse areas of social work/ social policy and seeing how the student experience can shape learning and practice. Promoting and advocating student’s voices matters to me, because listening to students is so important in developing the best future social workers.

I joined the BASW Student Ambassador scheme because I wanted to learn more about social work and meet others who share the same passion for helping people. I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in events, sharing ideas with other students, and learning from experienced professionals.

I saw it as a good opportunity to grow professionally, meet other social work students and practitioners, and have conversations about social work and its future.   So far I have enjoyed the connections and perspectives I have gathered within conversations we have had in the community.

Angella is a dedicated Social Care Professional and final‑year Master of Social Work candidate based in Luton, with over a decade of experience supporting children, young people, and families across statutory, residential, and community settings. She specialises in safeguarding, trauma‑informed practice, and relationship‑based interventions, drawing on NVQ Level 4 training and extensive frontline experience. 

For the past two years, Angella has also served as a Student Ambassador a role she pursued to amplify student voices, support peers, and contribute to a more inclusive learning environment. Her ambassador work reflects her commitment to advocacy, leadership, and empowering others. 

After attending the BASW 2025 conference, I found that I wanted to become more involved with social work. Rather than just study, I want to connect with other social work students and help shape the future of social work through engaging with them and BASW. It has been great to meet other social work students around the UK, and discover different approaches between different countries. Connection makes us thrive, and being a Student Ambassador proves that!