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Membership categories

Carve out your career steps, build your skills and protect your wellbeing. With the British Association of Social Workers you’ll get the supportive resources you need, all under one roof.

Join the UK's only professional association for social work and social workers - the ethical home of social work.

Membership types

BASW Membership is available to qualified social workers, or students studying for a recognised social work qualification in the UK. BASW membership covers you for every stage of your social work career - from student to retirement and everything in between.
Staying with BASW means you will benefit from discounted rates in membership. Take a look at our membership types for more details on the benefits of BASW membership.

We also offer parental leave reductions - 33% off your basic fee during parental leave for ‘working’ members (contact us when you’re due to go on leave). And a category designed for social workers who are either unpaid working or unemployed.

BASW member at UK conference 2023

Working (qualified less than 5 years) Membership

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Working (qualified more than 5 years) Membership

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Independent membership

By your side, every step of the way.

Students

Get ahead on your course and chosen career with BASW’s discounted student membership.

Students post qualifying

Continue your membership and receive 50% off for your first post-qualifying year of work

Newly qualified

Carve out your career steps with BASW, build your knowledge and skills and protect your wellbeing

Early Social work career

Connect and lobby with us on what really matters, log your CPD and access resources and support.

Experienced Social workers

Step up to your next role with our professional coaching and get the specialised resources

Social work managers

Learning to supervise and support staff? Access management resources, coaching and build your skills.

Working independently?

Enhanced package of resources, protection & networking opportunities for self-employed & agency workers

Leaders in social work

Access leadership resources, connect with peers and influence what matters in social work today.

The BASW UK University Social Work Education Provider Affiliation Scheme

BASW is working with providers to offer professional support and activities designed to support social work education programmes, plus a discount of 15% for student group membership. Find out more.

Looking for union membership?

Becoming a member of SWU means you’ll receive guaranteed protection at employer hearings and representation from SWU Trade Union officials. Protect yourself with employment and regulatory advice – BASW's partner specialist union for social workers. BASW members can opt into SWU for discounted rates. Contact the membership team for details.