BASW Cymru manager Robin Moulster and development worker Gaye Sheridan recently undertook a visit to social work staff in Denbighshire, organised by BASW Cymru treasurer, Ian Ellison. The day was spent in Rhyl and Ruthin, where staff were able to raise issues and concerns about the profession, as well as clarify the enormous benefits of BASW and Social Workers Union (SWU) membership.
The day attracted a number of new members who voiced concerns about the erosion of the social work role through the increased use of non-qualified staff. A key attraction to membership was the notable perceived benefit of being able to ‘opt in to’ SWU.
Social workers spoke of the benefits of social workers being represented by social workers, fellow professionals who understand the complexities of the profession more coherently than other trade unions.