News Articles
Search and read social work related news articles across a range of topics
Bridget Robb - Social workers at Mid Staffs must ask why they didn't blow the whistle
Writing for the Guardian Social Care Network, BASW's acting chief executive Bridget Robb explains why the Mid Staffs NHS scandal is also a disgrace shared by the social work profession.
6th February 2013
BASW: Empowered social workers must be at heart of children & families reforms
As children’s minister Edward Timpson today introduces the Children and Families bill to parliament, BASW issues a reminder to government that social workers need more help to keep families together, and that an obsessive focus on adoption is not the cure to all of society’s ills.
5th February 2013
Webinar: Social Work not Paperwork - Cutting Bureaucracy in Childcare Social Work
During discussions with members, NIASW found the issue of increasing bureaucracy in childcare was raised as a major ongoing challenge social workers face across all programmes of care. As a key step in supporting our members with this important issue we undertook a survey of childcare social workers to ascertain their views in a more structured way. The results of the survey were published under the title 'Social Work not Paperwork - Cutting Bureaucracy in Childcare Social Work'.
1st February 2013
NSPCC/BASW/CEOP Survey
A survey about social workers' experiences of child sexual abuse when there is an online element. A project being undertaken by NSPCC, CEOP and BASW.
1st February 2013
Protecting children in Northern Ireland means supporting social workers
NIASW supports Northern Ireland's first review into child deaths but says policymakers must take heed of issues raised highlighting social workers facing high caseloads and not being adequately supported.
1st February 2013
Welsh reforms must allow social workers to do their job warns BASW Cymru
BASW Cymru welcomes progress of Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill but warns reforms will only succeed if social workers are freed from 'tick box' culture and allowed to focus on clients.
30th January 2013
BASW chief urges Cameron to act as inquiry highlights plight of asylum seeking children
BASW's Chief Executive Bridget Robb calls on David Cameron for action as inquiry reveals 'shocking truth' of treatment of asylum-seeking children.
30th January 2013
BASW urges action in wake of CQC report highlighting concern over detentions under Mental Health Act
BASW calls on policy makers and service providers to act after the Care Quality Commission highlights concern over the treatment of people detained under the Mental Health Act in England.
30th January 2013
Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us of injustice in the world
As the world remembers the persecution of Jews in Nazi Europe on Holocaust Memorial Day, BASW highlights the role of social workers in standing up against injustice and supporting the most vulnerable within society.
25th January 2013
Care of asylum-seeking children inadequate, says Kindertransport descendant
Daughter of Kindertransport Jew fleeing Nazi persecution says support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in UK is inadequate.
25th January 2013
Adoption shake-up could adversely impact on children and parents
BASW's Acting Chief Executive Bridget Robb backs concerns raised by the Local Government Association over adoption reforms in England which could see the role of councils reduced.
24th January 2013
Bosses enjoying salary hikes while staff suffer cutbacks
BASW Cymru criticises pay hikes to senior managers in two Welsh authorities while social workers suffer from salary freezes and austerity cutbacks.
24th January 2013
BASW Cymru continue partnership with COMPASS for 2013 Social Work Awards
Each year BASW Cymru organises the Social Work Awards, highlighting the successful practice demonstrated by social work professionals throughout Wales. This year will be the fourth time the Association has held this event, taking place at the Senedd in Cardiff on 1 October. BASW Cymru are delighted to announce that their partnership with COMPASS will be continuing.
24th January 2013
BASW Cymru's World Social Work Day celebration 20 March
BASW Cymru will be celebrating World Social Work Day on 20th March 2013 at The BASW Cymru Office, 1 Caspian Point, Pierhead Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 4DQ between 11.30 – 2.00 Speakers already include the Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas AM, Ian Johnston (IFSW), and Neeta Baicher (Diverse Cymru)
24th January 2013
Adoption 'tsar' speaks out
Interview with the Government's 'adoption tsar' Martin Narey to feature in February's issue of Professional Social Work magazine.
23rd January 2013
BASW publishes Social Media Policy, placing 'e-professionalism' centre stage
The BASW Social Media Policy, launched today, emphasises how Facebook, Twitter and other similar online platforms offer the means to benefit social work practice, boost CPD opportunities and open up new ways of supporting service users.
22nd January 2013
Why BASW developed a Social Media Policy
Social media is a growing issue for social workers, in terms of how they employ these communications platforms in their professional and personal lives. We see its prevalence in discussions about our case work, in the press, in debates at conferences and, of course, in social media discussions. As the professional association for social work in the UK, members told us that it would help them if BASW produced a policy and guidance in this area, particularly relating to ethical dilemmas they are increasingly facing.
22nd January 2013
BASW STATEMENT: Update on Chief Executive position
BASW Council has completed the independent investigation into allegations made about the conduct of suspended Chief Executive Hilton Dawson. Following a subsequent period of mediation, recommended by the independent investigating officer and supported by both parties, it has been agreed that Mr Dawson will not be returning to his position.
18th January 2013
Minister Poots backs NIASW poll and invites Association to outline changes
NIASW held a very successful meeting with Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, on 14 January to discuss the Association's recent survey of Northern Ireland practitioners, ‘Social Work not Paperwork’. Commenting on the talks, NIASW Manager Carolyn Ewart said: "The minister supported our view that the findings of our poll indicate an unacceptable imbalance in the time spent on paperwork and actually visiting children and families, and that this must change.
17th January 2013
Kent’s improved, but cuts hurting children nationally
Ofsted has reclassified Kent's children's services from "inadequate" to "adequate" after a two-year £30million improvement drive but BASW warned Government cuts are putting children at risk across the country.
16th January 2013
