“Ten years of championing social workers, strengthening the Union, and standing up for social justice.”
A Voice for Social Workers
When John McGowan became General Secretary of the Social Workers Union (SWU) in 2016, the profession was already facing significant pressures and continues to do so. Austerity, rising demand for services, workforce shortages and increasing public scrutiny were placing unprecedented demands on social workers across the United Kingdom.
What followed over the next decade was a period of growth, influence, and visibility for the Union.
Under John’s leadership as the first General Secretary as a separate organisation from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), SWU evolved into a confident national voice for social workers and one that combined professional values with strong trade union principles and ensured that practitioners had both representation and a platform from which to be heard.
Building a Stronger Union
One of John’s most significant achievements has been helping to strengthen SWU’s identity as the specialist trade union dedicated to social workers.
Working closely with members, staff, the SWU Executive Committee, other unions, and professional partners such as BASW, he helped build an organisation that is widely recognised for its principled advocacy, member support and commitment to the profession.
During his tenure, SWU increased its national profile and became an influential contributor to debates on social work, public services and social justice.
Leading National Campaigns
Over ten years, SWU became a driving force behind campaigns calling for:
- Better professional working conditions
- Safe and manageable workloads
- Improved wellbeing and mental health support
- Fair funding for social work services
- Greater respect and recognition for the profession
- Championing proper Media Representation for social workers
- Reduced bureaucracy so social workers can spend more time with the people they support
- Reflective Supervision
- Part-Time / Flexible Working
- Cross Party Group for Social Work in Parliament
- Smacking Ban Campaign
- Free School Meals for All Campaign
- Make Equality Real Campaign
- Boot Out Austerity Campaign
Among the most influential initiatives was the ‘Respect Social Work’ and the ‘Working Conditions’ campaign, both launched in partnership with the British Association of Social Workers. The campaigns brought national attention to the realities of frontline practice and helped place social workers’ experiences firmly on the public agenda.
Standing Against Austerity
John consistently argued that social work cannot be separated from the wider social conditions affecting communities. Under his leadership, SWU became known for its willingness to speak out on poverty, inequality and cuts to public services. The memorable ‘Boot Out Austerity’ campaign with BASW symbolised the Union’s belief that social workers have an important role in advocating for a fairer society, not just for themselves but for the people they serve every day. John was central in creating the standalone campaign group ‘Austerity Action Group’ funded by SWU.
Championing the Wider Trade Union Movement
John’s influence has extended well beyond the Social Workers Union. Through his role as National Executive member then Vice President of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU), he has been a passionate advocate for solidarity across the wider trade union movement, ensuring that the voice of social workers has been heard alongside those of workers from many other sectors.
Believing that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, John strengthened SWU’s relationship with the GFTU and encouraged active participation in campaigns that reflected the shared values of fairness, equality and social justice. Under his leadership, SWU stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow affiliated unions in campaigns promoting workers’ rights, defending public services, tackling workplace inequality, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and speaking out against discrimination and injustice.
John recognised that the challenges facing social workers are often rooted in wider social and economic issues. His commitment to partnership working through the GFTU enabled SWU to contribute to national conversations on employment rights, equality, anti-racism, dignity at work and the future of public services. His leadership helped ensure that social work was recognised not only as a profession, but as an essential part of a broader movement striving for a more just and compassionate society.
As Vice President, John has been a respected and valued voice within the GFTU family; bringing insight, integrity and a deep understanding of the realities facing frontline practitioners. His work has strengthened relationships between SWU and fellow unions, reinforcing the principle that collective action is at the heart of achieving meaningful and lasting change.
He is committed to international solidarity. Through SWU’s work with international social work organisations and trade union partners, John has consistently promoted the values of human rights, peace and global social justice, ensuring that SWU’s influence has reached far beyond the UK.
Tributes
Dave Callow, former SWU Chair, Austerity Action Group (AAG) Chair, and incoming SWU General Secretary:
“It has been a privilege to have known and worked with John these last 7 years, to get to know him as a social worker, general secretary, socialist and human being. John’s support and encouragement has meant the world to me over this time, something I never have or never will take for granted. He has carefully steered SWU for 10 years where our union, and equally our profession, can be grateful for his dedication to social workers. I wish John chart topping success for his band and to join him for many more laughs and happy times along the way.”
Chrissie Beatty, SWU Vice Chair, SWU Executive Committee UK Representative, and Relationships and Strengths-based Practice Lead:
“I first met John in 2018 when I was still a student social worker. From that first meeting, I was struck by his energy, enthusiasm and passion for both social work and our union—qualities that are truly contagious. It was John who encouraged me to join the Executive Committee and later to become Vice Chair. Having worked closely with him in both roles, I have seen first-hand his unwavering dedication and commitment. John will be greatly missed, but he leaves behind a stronger, thriving union with firm foundations for the future, after ten outstanding years as General Secretary.”
Gerry Madden, SWU Executive Committee Northern Ireland Representative and SWU Honorary Treasurer:
“John and I were present in 2011 at the meeting which created SWU and for the past ten years he has been the elected General Secretary of SWU. This longevity reflects John’s continuing passion and vision for SWU and its importance in both supporting front line Social Workers and promoting the social work agenda. I have been privileged to serve alongside John on the SWU Executive over the past fifteen years and through our close working relationship come to recognize and appreciate his many qualities rooted always in strong social work values. His always energetic leadership, seeking to get things done, his ability to relate easily to people accompanied by a sharp sense of Scottish wit whilst at the same time not being afraid to challenge when he felt it necessary have all combined to bring SWU from its humble beginnings to a now firmly recognized place within the wider trade union family as evidenced by relationships with the GFTU. I will miss very much working alongside John as will all his colleagues at SWU but what a rich legacy he leaves and I will finish by wishing him all the very best in the next chapter of his journey both professionally and personally.”
James Birchall, SWU Executive Committee UK Representative, former SWU Chair, and former Honorary Treasurer of BASW:
“I have known John for many years. We both served on BASW Council and were amongst the founders of SWU in 2011. When I was appointed President in 2012 John was Vice President. In 2016 John became General Secretary and during the next 10 years SWU made great progress under his creative leadership. SWU, as it is today, owes a great debt to the hard work and skill John brought to his role as GS. It has been a great pleasure to work with John over the years and to have seen his dedication, skills, knowledge and wisdom in action. It is difficult for me to imagine SWU without John, but I am sure SWU will continue to progress with Dave as General Secretary.”
Allison Hulmes; SWU Executive Committee Wales Representative; Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Swansea University; Director, co-founder of the Romani & Traveller Social Work Association; and Romani & Traveller Representative at the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW):
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside John McGowan during his ten years as General Secretary of the Social Workers Union. John has always been a passionate and tireless advocate for social workers, always standing up for our profession, our values and the people we support. His leadership of SWU has combined determination with warmth, helping to build a strong and vibrant union that truly reflects the voices of its members.
One of my fondest memories is completing the 100-mile ‘Boot Out Austerity’ walk together in 2017. It captures John’s commitment to social justice and his willingness to go the extra mile – quite literally – for causes he believes in and that mean so much to social workers. Alongside his dedication, John has always brought a wonderful sense of fun, humour and humanity to everything he does. Whether sharing stories about punk music, talking about his favourite bands and new album, or getting behind a drum kit, he reminds us that activism and joy can go hand in hand. I will miss you John. Your leadership, friendship and infectious energy will be greatly missed, and I wish you every success and happiness for the future.”
Gawain Little, General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) General Secretary:
“As a longstanding member of the Executive Committee, Chair of the International Solidarity Committee and, since May 2025, Vice President, John made an outstanding contribution to the work of the General Federation of Trades Unions. Throughout his years of service, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, principled leadership and a deep belief in the values of trade unionism.
John’s contribution extended well beyond the positions he held. He brought integrity, wisdom and generosity to the Federation, earning the respect and friendship of trade union colleagues across the movement. His thoughtful approach and dedication helped strengthen the GFTU’s work both at home and internationally.
As Chair of the International Solidarity Committee, he championed support for working people across the world, from Palestine to Cuba and beyond, ensuring that the Federation remained steadfast in its commitment to justice, peace and workers’ rights.
His dedication to international solidarity was a true reflection of his values as a trade unionist. John’s legacy will endure in the work he helped shape and in the many people he inspired through his commitment, friendship and example. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Sarah Woolley, General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) President and Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) General Secretary:
“John’s retirement is the end of an important chapter for the Social Workers Union and for the wider GFTU family. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside John on the GFTU Executive for the last ten or so years, and during that time I’ve come to know him as someone who always brought thoughtfulness, experience and a measured response to discussions and decisions that have needed to be made.
John has been a great advocate for social workers and the members he represents, but he’s also been a valued colleague who has always understood the importance of supporting the wider trade union movement. Whether around the Executive table or at our many events over the years, he’s been someone whose views were respected and whose company was always appreciated.
On a personal level, I’m going to miss the opportunity of seeing John become Joint President next year after being part of the presidential team for the last 18 months as joint vice president. It’s difficult to imagine GFTU meetings and events without him there.
We’ve shared some memorable moments over the years, do ask me about the curry in Poland if you see me around the movement!
While I’m genuinely pleased that he now gets the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned retirement, his presence, friendship and contributions will certainly be missed.
Thank you, John, for everything you have contributed during your time on the Executive Committee. I wish you every happiness for the future and hope retirement brings you all the time, opportunities, music and holidays you deserve.”
Paul Day, Pharmacists Union (PDA) Union Director and General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Executive Committee Member:
“John has been a fantastic colleague at the GFTU, and through him SWU have also been a brilliant sister union to us.”
Julia Georgiou, NHBC Staff Association General Secretary and General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Executive Committee Member:
“Sad to hear the news and a loss to SWU and the wider movement. John was always ready to listen and help a new GS when I first was elevated, unexpectedly, to the role. He gave me some good advice and was always keen to listen and help, especially through the connections at GFTU. I’ll miss his stories after hours at GFTU gatherings!”
Paul O’Connor, Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) Chief of Staff (Industrial):
“You’ve been a fantastic advocate for a massively under-appreciated group of workers John. Well done. All the very best for the future Comrade.”
Steve Gillan, Prison Officers Association (POA) General Secretary and General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Executive Committee Member:
“John wasn’t just a very good General Secretary but a thoroughly decent man and when he spoke at GFTU meetings on any subject matter people listened as he was full of common sense and sound advice. He is well respected and the trade union movement is in a far better place with his input.”
Professor Jermaine M Ravalier; SWU Ambassador; Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic at Buckinghamshire New University:
“I’ve been working with John for coming up to a decade now, and together we have led a lot of projects and initiatives which have influenced the conversation and practice of social work across the country and the world. We started by running a number of large projects looking at wellbeing and working conditions in social work, and while this began as a UK-wide project is has been extended across the whole of the world. We lobbied MPs in parliament, employers, and other policy makers. Alongside BASW we developed the first wellbeing toolkit, which is now being taken international. We have led nationwide work on reflective supervision, and delivered training across the whole of the country.
John’s influence therefore on the social work profession has been significant. I genuinely believe that the profession is in a stronger position because of his commitment social work, commitment to the profession, and commitment to making a difference to those that social workers work with every day.”
Emma Lewell, SWU Ambassador and Member of Parliament (MP) for South Shields:
“I am sorry to see John’s term of office coming to an end. Social workers have been at the harsh end of austerity and the cost-of-living crisis. John has always championed those social workers who are in our communities, day in and day out, making a positive difference to people’s lives.
He has also been a great advocate for better pay, conditions and work-life balance as well as working to address the wider issues of poverty, disadvantage and erosion of wider support services that increase the amount of people in need of social work help.
I hope you get some rest John; you deserve it. Thank you for everything.”
Dr Neil Thompson, SWU Ambassador, Author, Director of Studies at the Neil Thompson Academy, and Visiting Professor at the Open University:
“I have long been aware of the parallels between social work and trade unionism – both involve trying to make a positive difference and a concern with wellbeing and social justice. Over the past ten years, SWU – and the social work profession more broadly – have been fortunate to have someone as capable, committed and conscientious as John to bring the two fields together by leading SWU so effectively. Social workers need strong union backing provided by people with a social work background. John has done an outstanding job in heading up that initiative. We all have a lot to be grateful to him for.”
Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby and Chair of the Cross-Party Group for Social Work:
“I would like to thank John for his dedication in establishing and building the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Work.
As Chair of the group since it launched last October, I have been privileged to work alongside John to celebrate the vital role social workers play in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society. More importantly, John has created a platform to give the profession the political attention it deserves, as we look to drive change in policy to allow our social workers to do their jobs safely and effectively.
I would also like to thank John for lending the union’s backing for the Right to Food Commission, as we look to enshrine a national Right to Food in law.”
Kellie Doubtfire, Publishing and Events Director of Social Work Today:
“John McGowan’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant period of service to the Social Workers Union. During his time as General Secretary, SWU has grown in stature and influence, while championing campaigns that have highlighted the realities of social work practice. John consistently campaigned for better working conditions for social workers, while also supporting the Austerity Action Group and helping to develop the SWU Campaign Fund, enabling members to lead campaigns on issues affecting both the profession and the people they support.
John has always worked closely with Social Work Today and COMPASS. He recognised the value of bringing the profession together to share learning, exchange ideas and celebrate good practice, and consistently gave his time to engage with professionals through our events and publications.
Whether helping his team during the event, contributing to conference sessions alongside colleagues, or taking the time to speak with delegates individually, John was always willing to get involved. He made a point of engaging with the many social workers who attended our events, listening to their experiences and discussing the issues that mattered to them. That willingness to engage directly with social work practitioners reflected his approach to supporting the people at the heart of the profession.
On behalf of everyone at Social Work Today and COMPASS, we thank John for his support and collaboration over the years and wish him every success and happiness in his retirement.”
Shahid Naqvi, Editor of Professional Social Work (PSW) Magazine:
“One of the great things about John is that I could always rely on him to turn around a good quote on request, often within minutes. As a journalist working to deadlines this has been invaluable and indicative of his keen understanding of the media.
Through his words and actions, John has been a tireless advocate for social work and social workers over the last decade, with his finger on the pulse of the issues.
SWU’s work with the Campaign Collective has been particularly impressive and a good example of his collaborative style. The energy John has put into building SWU’s presence and profile cannot be over-estimated. It comes from a deep-seated passion for improving social work which I have seen demonstrated time and again.”
Simon Francis, Founder Member of Campaign Collective and Coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition:
“John has been a tireless champion for social workers and for the values at the heart of the profession. Over the past decade, he has helped transform SWU into a confident, campaigning union that isn’t afraid to speak out on the issues that matter most to members.
Working with John has always been a pleasure because he combines passion for the issues with warmth and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of social workers and the people they support.
The launch of the unique Campaign Fund where union members can get professional support to campaign on issues they are passionate about is an example of his leadership. And the establishment of the Cross Party Group on Social Work will ensure that SWU’s voice is heard far beyond the profession and his legacy will continue to shape the union for many years to come.”
Samantha Baron, British Association of Social Workers CEO:
“It is important to acknowledge the contribution John has made during his time as General Secretary of the Social Work Union. John has been the recognised face of SWU for over 10 years, leading many joint campaigns with BASW which over the years have been very successful. These campaigns have delivered meaningful change, influencing policy, raising awareness of the challenges facing the profession, and improving the working lives of countless social workers.
John’s dedication to the trade union movement is without question. On behalf of BASW, we wish him every success and happiness in the next chapter of his journey.”
Fran Fuller, former BASW UK Chair (5 years) and first President of SWU:
“John and I go way back and have shared some challenging times along the way. John has been a friend and comrade promoting values and ethics of social workers across the UK and beyond. He has helped members to recognise the importance of a union being honest and brave in his commitment to social work, social workers and the campaigns which he has driven to make significant change, influencing policy and policy makers and making changes to people lives who work as professional social workers.
John’s dedication and sincere beliefs with the trade union movement have strengthened my relationship with a person who advocates and reflects all that I believe as a social worker, a trade unionist and a friend. All the best John in your next adventure and I hope our paths will cross in the very new future.”
Guy Shennan, former BASW Chair, Practitioner & Trainer, Activist, and Author:
“On becoming BASW Chair in 2014, it was clear that getting the relationship right between BASW and SWU was always going to be a tricky job, and John’s election as SWU General Secretary helped this process immeasurably. While he represented SWU strongly, his commitment to BASW was always clear too. He marched alongside us to boot out austerity, and then ensured that the action continued, while his commitment to supporting the Palestinians’ struggle for justice has remained solid, under great pressure. John is someone who can be counted upon, and his stewardship of SWU over the past 10 years has been first-rate. Thank you, John.”
Hilton Dawson, first General Secretary of SWU, former BASW CEO, and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Lancaster and Wyre:
“It had become part of the lore, the very being of BASW, to a large extent the matter, never to be spoken, that establishing a trade union would be vehemently opposed and thwarted. It was something that we just couldn’t do, so when we found the means as well as the necessity to do it, the elected leadership needed to be brave, as well as independent-minded and committed.
Of course, there’s never a good time to start anything which is going to be challenging, particularly something which stands for the principles of social work and the rights and needs of those who work in it.
We needed a trade union to secure the rights of our members to be represented by the people they wanted to advise and represent them. Those in London, with whom we were negotiating sagely advised that this was not a good time, others seized on a way to build barriers a little higher, as justification for their view of us, as unreasonable. In Scotland, there was a particular view around traditional trade unionism, which portrayed us as lacking solidarity, for letting down our friends.
As a leader of BASW, from Scotland, perhaps you needed to be particularly brave and independent-minded and committed to the cause of the Social Workers Union?
I worked for John McGowan as we made history and created SWU. I have watched from afar as he has made a fundamental career change to work for others as they have taken that noisy, squalling opportunity and turned it, ever growing and developing into a powerful, respected, collegiate voice for the rights and interests of people at work, for great social work and social progress.
Such an achievement, a personal as well as organisational achievement at such a febrile, monstrously difficult time for people, all across the United Kingdom.
How do you follow that? There’s a big question.
One thing to do, for an organisation proudly based in Birmingham.
Send to the Jewellery Quarter, get them to strike John McGowan a very big SWU medal.
Thank you John.”
Bridget Robb, second General Secretary of SWU, former BASW CEO, and Director at Roho Learning:
“John has led the Social Workers Union from strength to strength within the social work community and the trade union movement.
As an active member of the first SWU Executive, John worked with me to explore and develop how the union and BASW could effectively work alongside each other to enhance both organisations. I was delighted when John was elected as the first General Secretary of the union who was not also Chief Executive of BASW.
John’s vision and energy have enabled SWU to grow into a fully active trade union enhanced by John’s membership of the General Federation of Trade Unions National Executive Committee.
I wish John a very fulfilling retirement from being General Secretary.”
Dr Peter Unwin, Principal Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Worcester and former Austerity Action Group (AAG) Chair:
“I first met John during the BASW/SWU ‘Boot Out Austerity’ march from Birmingham to Liverpool in 2017, one of the very few outwardly political actions taken by social workers in recent times.
John’s reputation for being a ‘man of the people’ had reached me well before that time and getting to know him better over the years has only confirmed this reputation. John is a true fighter for social justice and his passion and fire will be much missed by the UK social work profession.”
Dr Joe Hanley, Lecturer at The Open University and Author:
“I had the pleasure of working with John both at the Open University and through his role with the Social Workers Union. What I found particularly refreshing about his approach, was that John never shied away from presenting or promoting critical perspectives on the direction of the profession. During his time as General Secretary, the Social Workers Union, through its various forums, was always willing to engage with debates and perspectives that others shied away from. This was invaluable to the maintaining a strong and critical professional voice, and I believe John made an important difference in this.”
Edith Till, SWU Executive Committee Student/NQSW Representative and BASW Student Ambassador:
“As a Social Work Student Ambassador, I first met John online. Even then, his encouragement meant so much — he pushed us to join SWU, get involved with GFTU’s young members’ courses, and believe that our voices mattered. When he asked me to write up an event, it felt like a real vote of confidence, and many opportunities followed from that moment.
I finally met John in person at the Durham Miners’ Gala, and he was exactly as he seemed online: kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping others grow. He told me about the Student Executive vacancy at SWU and encouraged me to go for it. His belief in my ideas — especially campaigning for better placement conditions for students — gave me the courage to step forward and become more active in the union.
John’s passion for union work was infectious. He inspired me, guided me, and made me feel that I belonged in this movement. I will always be grateful for the time, support, and faith he gave me. He will be deeply missed, and he will always remain one of my role models.”
MJ Lace, Final Year Social Work Student, SENDco, Ultrapreneur and Activist:
“John McGowan has always struck me as a calm, grounded and quietly influential General Secretary. He understands what is happening beneath the surface and never needs to be the loudest voice in the room. His commitment to social justice reflects the best traditions of radical social work. John has always been open, supportive and accepting, giving me the confidence to strengthen my own activist voice. Reading How to Survive in Social Work reinforced my belief that neoliberal policies have damaged our profession. His leadership is thoughtful, authentic and quietly transformative.”
Joanne Marciano, SWU Operations Manager:
“Working with John over the last 10 years has been an absolute privilege. His support, trust and belief in me have shaped my career and given me opportunities I never thought possible. He has always brought positivity, kindness and encouragement, no matter what was happening around him. SWU won’t be the same without him, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me and so many others. I wish him nothing but happiness and success in the future.”
Dr Shawn Major; SWU Communications, Media, and Engagement Officer:
“A hearty congratulations to John on his well-earned retirement! It has been a privilege to work with John and I thank him for his leadership that is a strong blend of enthusiasm, practicality, candour, and kindness. I will aways appreciate how his supportive management style has helped me to flourish at SWU for the past five and a half years. He will be greatly missed, but all the great work he has done this past decade to ensure that social workers have both effective representation and a powerful collective voice is a rock-solid foundation for the union to continue building upon. I wish him all the best for the future.”
A Lasting Legacy
After ten years as General Secretary, John McGowan leaves behind far more than an office. He leaves a stronger Social Workers Union, a louder collective voice for social workers, and a legacy built on integrity, courage and compassion.
Most importantly, he leaves a profession that knows someone was prepared to stand beside it during some of its most challenging years.
On behalf of members, colleagues, partners and friends of the Social Workers Union, we thank John McGowan for ten remarkable years of leadership and dedicated service.
“Thank you for your vision. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for always putting social workers first.”
Your contribution will continue to be felt for many years to come.