Guidance and information for self-employed social workers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemnic.
Practicing social work during the Coronavirus pandemic presents a number of challenges to the profession. The self-employed workforce are faced with additional pressures and risks in a time when the context and information is changing daily.
This page is live where we hope to keep individuals informed of current developments. Please bookmark and return regularly.
Guidance and information for self-employed social workers
BASW's commitment to the safety and effective practice of social workers
Coronavirus (Covid-19) BASW updates homepage
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Insurance information for Independents
The recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has created unprecedented circumstances introducing new challenges and risks for independent social workers. This has implications on insurance cover and practice.
Find out more (log-in required)
Covid-19 Booster Vaccines
Following concerns over the spread of the Omnicron variant, the UK Government is encouraging all eligible adults to access a Covid-19 booster.
England
Booster vaccines may now be accessed through the National Booking Service - find out more here.
Wales
Local health boards in Wales are currently inviting eligible health and social care workers for their vaccine. Click here for more information and contact details of your local health board. Do ensure you are registered with a GP surgery and that their records include your health and social care worker status.
Northern Ireland
Community pharmacies will be administering booster vaccines to non-Trust employed health and social care workers - find out more.
Scotland
Eligible health and social care workers may now book their booster with some health board exceptions. Find out more here.
Read Covid-19 and Vaccination: a BASW position statement
Essential worker coronavirus (COVID-19) test
Essential workers are encouraged to apply for a test within the first three days from when symptoms begin.
Find out more & request a test
Government developments & schemes to support small businesses
New Style Employment and Support Allowance
Should you have a disability of health condition that is having an impact on your self-employed work, you may be eligible for the New Style Employement and Support Allowance.
Government support across the UK
- UK Government - View the full government guidance for supporting businesses here
- Northern Ireland - NI Business info Coronavirus business support
- Scotland - Coronavirus advice for businesses in Scotland
- Wales Business Wales COVID-19 Support for Business
Guidance on running a social work business
Self-employed social workers will ultimately know their business best and responding to the current climate to mitigate risk and ensure personal and business resilience will be all the more challenging. BASW suggests members to consider the following:
- Continuity planning including contingencies: financial and fulfilling contractual obligations
- Communication with clients. This includes negotiating adapted service provision and delivery timescales
- Embracing digital working
- Review your business model - exploring opportunities to evolve your skills and services to meet emerging demands
Sharing experiences and advice for Independents
Join the discussion with self-employed colleagues from across the UK to learn how their managing their businesses during these exceptional circumstances:
- BASW Independents closed Facebook discussion group
- BASW Independents LinkedIn group
- Ongoing virtual local networks across the UK are available. Find out more
Return to Practice
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, some independent social workers who are not currently in roles within local authority practice may explore a return to practice.
BASW has published information for those considering this on a permanent or temporary basis. Find out more.
For further advice, feedback and concerns, please contact BASW Independents.