British Association of Social Workers
BASW is the only professional association for Social Workers in the UK. Our primary aim is to promote the best possible social work services for all people who may need them, whilst also securing the well-being of social Workers who are our members. BASW is not a Trade Union, but we do offer an unrivalled Advice and Representation Service, as well as Professional Indemnity Insurance cover for members. By joining the Association, our members are committing to the values set out within our Code of Ethics.
A Company Limited by Guarantee, BASW is governed by a Board of Directors known as Council. Council Members are elected by members each year at our Annual General Meeting and their work in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the Association is supported by A Finance and Human Resources Committee, an Ethics and Human Rights Committee and National Standing Committees in each of the four countries of the UK.
BASW also comprises the BASW Trust, a registered charity; Venture Press Ltd., a publishing company; and provides financial support to the Social Workers Benevolent Trust and Social Worker Educational Trust, which were established by BASW in the early 1970s.
The Association employs just over 30 members of staff and has offices right across the UK - see our Contact page for further details. BASW maintains strong international links through its membership of the International Federation of Social Workers.
The voice of social work
By lobbying UK and National Governments, commissioning and responding to consultations, actively influencing the political and professional agenda and asserting the views of Social Workers through bodies such as the Social Work Reform Board, BASW is a force for change. Keep up to date with developments such as the UK College of Social Work through our news section, email alerts and Professional Social Work magazine. We're actively encouraging all employers of Social Workers to sign up to BASW's 5-Star Engagement Plan. Get involved to ensure that BASW is a positive force for change and continuous improvement.
Knowledge Resources
Keep up to date with your Continuous Professional Development through a variety of excellent publications and events, including Professional Social Work, the British Journal of Social Work, Practice Journal, local events and conferences and a comprehensive range of books in our bookshop.
Financial Support
Offering grants to social workers, The Social Workers' Benevolent Trust and The Social Workers' Educational Trust were both established by BASW in the early 1970s. Read further about how to apply for funding and ways of supporting the work of the Trusts and making donations.