Recent elections across the UK have seen changes to political leadership of councils, often from the long-established political parties to newer administrations led by Reform, the Green Party, Independents, and independents organised around a particular issue such as Palestine. Many councils are now in 'no overall control' (NoC), which creates a shifting political environment.
Politics can feel very polarising right now, and many social workers will have their own views which may or may not align with the views of their employer, causing conflict and uncertainty.
Our aim is to challenge ageism and advocate for more effective social work practice in later life.
Our work includes: • Advocating for social work responses to improve wellbeing through allyship and empowerment • Promoting policy and holistic practice that recognises diversity and intersecting experiences within the ageing population • Promoting social work in later life in education and professional development • Developing and sharing evidence about how social work contributes to positive ageing.
Next meeting of the CSW SIG is on Tuesday 8th September 2026, starting at 6.30pm.
Internationally, Community-based Social Work (CSW) is definitely NOT dead in the water.
Nations facing country-wide disasters know they need to support whole communities. It is time for a revival of our collective understanding about what CSW is and what it can achieve.
If you have an interest in CSW or have ever used CSW skills, join colleagues at this meeting and be part of the BASW Special Interest Group (SIG).
A safe community space for neurodivergent (ND) student social workers, ASYE and newly qualified social workers (NQSW) in the UK.
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 6.30pm till 8pm – all students, NQSWs and ASYE social workers who are neurodivergent (no formal diagnosis necessary) are most welcome to come along.
The SASW Independents Symposium offers a dedicated space for independent social workers across Scotland to come together, connect with colleagues, expand professional networks, and engage in meaningful discussion about their role and contribution within the evolving social work landscape.
The idea for this group has organically grown from the BASW Independent Social Worker online FaceBook group, where people have been reaching out within the forum to share information, seek advice and guidance. Showing the need for a platform to discuss the positives and the issues impacting the fostering world. The responses have been very heartfelt and demonstrate the necessity of having a community support group, with a common theme of fostering assessments and the evolution of this work.
This Talk to SWU webinar session is an opportunity for members to meet new General Secretary Dave Callow and SWU Chair Chrissie Beatty. Additional guests will include SWU Treasurer and Northern Ireland Representative Gerry Madden and Campaign Collective founding member Simon Francis.
BASW Independents Local Networks provide an excellent opportunity to build professional links with other self-employed social workers in your area. These meetings are currently virtual and held on MS Teams.
This group meets on the 3rd Friday of every month. BASW Independents Local Networks provide a space to create and nurture valuable professional links with other self-employed social workers in your region.
These informal meetings are fully member-led and supported centrally by BASW, with the opportunity to share hot topics and collaborate on wider activities.
BASW Independents Local Networks provide an excellent opportunity to build professional links with other self-employed social workers in your area. These meetings are currently virtual and held on MS Teams.
This group meets quarterly on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Join us for an opportunity to learn more about Ofsted’s consultation on proposed changes to the way children’s social care providers are inspected and regulated: Improving the way Ofsted inspects children’s social care - GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-way-ofsted-in…
In response to feedback and growing concern from BASW members, BASW England is hosting a series of three interactive webinars that will explore the increasing levels of hostility and polarisation within our communities, across England and internationally. Developed in collaboration with BASW members, these sessions will provide a supportive and reflective space where participants can share experiences, learn from the latest research, and engage in meaningful discussion.
Huntington's disease is a rare, genetic, life-limiting neurological condition that can have a profound impact on individuals and families.
Join this free Huntington's Disease webinar to explore the new professional guideline for social workers, endorsed by BASW, and hear from Megan, a social worker, Huntington's Disease Association Ambassador and former young carer, as she shares her lived experience of navigating the social care system and supporting families affected by Huntington's disease.
Join BASW England for a special Hearing from Practice event with Colleen Simon, Head of Social Work, Social Care, Mental Capacity Act and Adult Safeguarding, as well as National Co-Chair of the Adult’s PSW Network & NHS Leads Network.
Colleen will share the story behind her career journey, the experiences that have shaped her leadership and insights from her current roles at the heart of social work, adult safeguarding and social care.