British Association of Social Workers

Why join BASW? Membership delivers all that you need, from learning and career development opportunities to resources, advice and representation and a lifelong sense of community.

basw.co.uk/why-join-basw

📸 A terrific day at The Social Work Show in Manchester yesterday!

Thanks to all the social workers and students who chatted to our team at our stand with @swu-uk.bsky.social and took part in our workshops. We enjoyed meeting you all!

Learn more about BASW/SWU membership ⬇️

✍️ BASW Member Blog | The Culture of Disbelief in Asylum Decision-Making.

BASW member and independent social worker, Daniel Absolon reflects on his practice supporting separated children and families facing uncertainty around immigration.

Read here 🔗 basw.co.uk/articles/bas...

Everyone should feel safe & welcome in our society. As social workers, we work for peace, dialogue & a strong bond between all communities. Our profession must lead the way in promoting an inclusive, more equal society built upon understanding, kindness, compassion, & mutual respect for one another.

The sharp rise in instances of Antisemitism and Islamophobia since 7th October is unacceptable. We have a collective responsibility to call out and challenge hatred, bigotry and prejudice in all its guises, and to show allyship with anyone who has faced intolerance and discrimination.

We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the safe passage of humanitarian aid, and international diplomatic efforts towards long-term peace, stability and security.

Our thoughts also remain with all the Palestinian and Israeli people who are impacted by the ongoing violence, destruction and suffering in Gaza and across the region. The human toll among innocent civilians is devastating.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community here in the UK and around the world and repeat our calls for Israeli hostages to be immediately released and reunited with their families.

Today, on the second anniversary of the horrific 7th October Hamas terrorist attack, the darkest day in Jewish history since the holocaust, we remember the victims whose lives were cruelly stolen, the people taken hostage, and the pain and grief of all their families and loved ones.

BASW wishes the Jewish community a happy, peaceful and meaningful Sukkot. Chag Sameach! 💛

💜 BASW proudly supports Kinship Care Week, a national week of awareness, recognition, and celebration of kinship families across England and Wales.

Let’s raise a teacup together to kinship families everywhere! ☕️

Find out more 🔗 kinship.org.uk/get-involved...

#KinshipCareWeek

Making the invisible visible – social work in care homes In the first of a three-part series Sally Nieman highlights an area of practice that is often overlooked in an ageist society

Dr Sally Nieman's piece for @basw-uk.bsky.social highlights how ageist attitudes affect the way care homes are seen by both social workers and wider society, and calls for us to 'make the invisible visible' & support social workers to have a greater presence in care homes

basw.co.uk/about-social...

Women with late-diagnosed ADHD – why it’s a social work issue In the first of a series on neurodiversity and social work Daisy Long, who was diagnosed in later life, speaks up for the ‘lost generation’

In this article for PSW Magazine, social worker Daisy Long, who was diagnosed with ADHD in later life, shares with us her personal reflections and experiences ⬇️

basw.co.uk/about-social...

October is ADHD Awareness Month. 🧡

This year’s theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” reminds us that every child, young person and adult experiences ADHD differently. No two journeys are the same.

#ADHDAwarenessMonth | #ADHDAwarenessIsKey

Analysis conducted by BASW England uncovers instances of apparent regional bias in adult social care inspections.

Our findings raise serious questions as to how the CQC’s new framework is performing, which can hopefully now be acted upon.

Read more ⬇️

basw.co.uk/about-social...

Interview: Luke Geoghegan at BASW on AI in social work Artificial intelligence is already being used in the provision of social work and social care. Luke Geoghegan, Head of Policy and Research at the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) tells us ...

🎙️ New Interview - What does AI mean for social work?

Thanks to Social Care Today for speaking to our Head of Policy & Research, Dr Luke Geoghegan about the issues, challenges and opportunities for AI in social work.

Read the full interview ⬇️

socialcare.today/2025/10/01/i...

From £5.39 per month, Student members can get ahead on their course and chosen career with BASW’s discounted student membership.

✅ Support your coursework with free and discounted learning resources
✅ 1:1 coaching and mentoring
✅ Careers advice

Join today 🔗
lnkd.in/enx3d44w

Antisemitism is an evil that we must all condemn and stand robustly against. There is no room for hate and prejudice in our society.

Today’s attack on a Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is deeply disturbing and horrifying.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community at this distressing time.

"Social Work and the Prevent Duty: An Overview for Practitioners" is one of a series of BASW Research Publications.

It explains the legal responsibilities that social workers have under the Prevent Duty and key considerations for practice.

Download here 🔗 basw.co.uk/policy-and-p...

✨ BASW is proud to support Black History Month, an annual commemoration and celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people across the UK.

Keep an eye on our socials this month for content!

#BlackHistoryMonth2025 | #StandingFirmInPowerAndPride

To mark International Day of Older Persons, listen again to our podcast episode exploring how social work can better meet the needs of older people. 🎧

🔗 shows.acast.com/lets-talk-so...

#OlderPersonsDay | #AgeingWithDignity

Changes at BASW to unify our key operations These changes will take effect from 1 October 2025.

Read the full announcement ⬇️

basw.co.uk/articles/cha...

We have today announced operational changes to the BASW team as we focus more resources on the frontline delivery of member benefits and services and on our growing influence across the UK.

We will also be embarking on a Big Conversation with the social work profession over the coming months.

💫 BASW proudly supports International Day of Older Persons!

As a global community we must strengthen opportunities for older people, improve their rights, have their voices heard, and contributions recognised.

Find out more 🔗 basw.co.uk/articles/bas...

#OlderPersonsDay | #AgeingWithDignity

BASW wishes Jewish communities in the UK and across the world a meaningful and peaceful Yom Kippur. 🧡

👋 Are you a BASW Independent Member?

Our BASW Independents Network provides a platform to make and maintain professional links, share knowledge and access peer to peer support.

The next network forum is on Wednesday, 8 October.

Learn more 🔗 basw.co.uk/events/basw-...

⭐️ Did you know? ⭐️

Professional Social Work magazine is the UK’s leading printed magazine dedicated to social work.

Become a BASW member, and receive your free copies with all the latest sector news, analysis, comment and features.

Learn more 🔗 basw.co.uk/about-social...

Every Story Matters: Children and Young People – Full record UK Covid-19 Inquiry Archives A record of Every Story Matters, detailing Children and Young People's experiences during the pandemic, dated 29 September 2025.

Read more ⬇️

covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/ev...

BASW has Core Participant Status for this module, enabling us to make recommendations to the Inquiry with a focus on social work specific issues. We sought views from our members to support this work.

We welcome the fact that social work's voice is woven throughout the findings published today.