BASW Position Statement on Social Work with Transgender People

Review date: By June 30 2022

Statement owner: Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee

Why are we putting this statement out? 

BASW supports social workers and enables people who need social work support to receive ethical, expert help. Effective social work with transgender people - and people of all ages considering changes to their gender identity - is an important and emergent area of social work practice requiring more guidance and professional support. 

This is BASW’s first statement on trans rights and issues and provides:

•  a statement of principles underscoring our commitment to uphold the human rights of trans people in line with our overall approach to ethics and human rights for all.
•  an update on our commitment to develop further professional guidance and policy positions in this field of practice and rights. 

BASW will develop and publish further policy and practice statements and guidance on trans issues in co-production with trans people, social workers and others with expertise to ensure BASW promotes effective social work practice in this field underpinned by human rights, social justice, good use of evidence and sound ethics. 

This work will be led by the Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory group and the EDI lead staff member with responsibility for this area of equalities. 

BASW statement on upholding the rights of trans people. 

BASW recognises and stands in opposition to the stigma, discrimination, oppression, stereotyping and abuse that many trans people experience. Taking this position is entirely in line with our Code of Ethics which is the starting point for all our statements of human rights, ethics and good practice.