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. 

A message for independent BASW members by Gerry Nosowska - BASW Chair and Independent social worker

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

Updates on Covid 19 practice and health and safety guidance for social work - Professional practice guidance and resources developed by BASW

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

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that the Coronavirus booster vaccine be made available to health & social care workers 6 months after their second dose. 

Letters to confirm health and social care status to support access to the COVID-19 boosterwill be emailed to all BASW Independents on 14 October. 

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

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

A fifth grant has been confirmed which will cover May - September 2021. Guidance on claiming a grant is available here. 

Government developments & schemes to support small businesses 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) - Closed on 30 September

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. 

Find out more 

Government support across the UK 

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:

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.