Policy & practice

BASW develops policies and resources for social work and social workers to support practitioners, launch campaigns or lobby UK Parliament. We work closely with other organisations, such as universities too
Contact the BASW policy and research team

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Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee

Find out more about the Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee and how to get involved

Join a special interest group

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focus on a particular issue or service area. As a BASW member, join one and contribute your expertise.

BASW Code of Ethics

All BASW members sign our Code of Ethics, which has underpinned social work practice since 1975.

BASW in Parliament
Working to influence UK parliamentarians in the interests of the social work profession.

BASW UK featured statements

Key policy resources and practice guidance

An overview of the main documents that BASW has produced since 2010. It does not provide a complete list – since this evolves continuously - but aims to signpost BASW members and other interested parties to the main documents.

People with lived experience

BASW connects with many people with lived and living experience of social work services who continue to enrich our work.

Join a special interest group and influence policy, promote effective practice and develop your career

Alcohol and other drugs

The Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) Special Interest Group (SIG) consists of practitioners, managers and academics who come together to share information, promote and develop knowledge, produce resources and consider policy.

Family Group Conferencing (FGC)

The Family Group Conferencing Special Interest Group (FGC SIG) seeks to integrate FGCs into social work practice, research evidence, and publicise the model through events.

Project Group on Assisted Reproduction (PROGAR)

The Project Group on Assisted Reproduction (PROGAR) seeks to influence UK policy in this area, advocate rights of people affected by assisted reproduction and promote effective social work practice.

The Social Work with Romani and Traveller Communities Special Interest Group

The Social Work with Romani and Traveller Communities Special Interest Group is an opportunity for social workers to come together and stand in solidarity to bring about fairness and justice for Romani and Traveller Communities.

Diaspora Social Workers SIG (Diaspora SIG)

The Diaspora SW SIG have members who originate from overseas and currently study or work in the UK.

BASW Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group (NSW SIG)

The BASW Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group (NSW SIG) is a SIG for neurodivergent social workers, and professionals within social care. 

UK Jewish Social Workers Group

The UK Jewish Social Workers Group aims to connect Jewish social workers and Jewish people working in the social care sector to discuss antisemitism issues, promote Jewish culture and develop resources for working with Jewish people and communities.

The Student Peer Support Special Interest Group (SPSSIG)

The Student Peer Support Special Interest Group (SPSSIG) offers a monthly online forum, so BASW students and NQSW have a space to connect and network with a wider cohort.

BASW Bookshop
Access the BASW bookshop for leading social work publications (member discounts apply)

Position statement on austerity

Austerity describes economic and social policies in the UK and other countries that result in reduced public and welfare spending, lower taxes, a smaller state and more unequal distribution of wealth.

BASW UK – A Social Work Manifesto

Election 19: BASW calls on parliamentary candidates from all parties to pledge their support for social workers and the children, adults and families who use their services.

BASW: UK Supervision Policy

The purpose of the supervision policy is to clarify what BASW considers to be the professional rights of social workers in relation to supervision and the responsibilities of the agency, the worker and the supervisor.