It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as Interim Chair of the Social Workers Union at such an important moment in our union’s history.
Before looking ahead, I want to pay tribute to someone whose contribution to SWU, and to social work more broadly, cannot be overstated. After ten years as General Secretary, John McGowan is stepping down from the role, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter for our union.
John built SWU from scratch. Through his vision, determination and unwavering commitment to social workers, he transformed a fledgling organisation into the strong, respected and influential union we know today. He has championed social workers at every level, fought tirelessly for social justice, and ensured that our profession has had a voice when it mattered most. On behalf of our members, I want to thank John for everything he has done and wish him every success and happiness in the future. His legacy will continue to shape SWU for many years to come.
I would also like to warmly congratulate Dave Callow on becoming SWU’s new General Secretary. Dave brings a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to the role, and I know our union is in safe hands with Dave steering the ship. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to grow and strengthen our collective voice.
This is also an exciting time for member involvement. In November, a number of positions on the SWU Executive Committee will become available. This presents a fantastic opportunity for members to step forward, bring fresh ideas, new energy and diverse perspectives, and help shape the future of our union. We have strong foundations to build on, and I hope many members will consider getting involved. The deadline for applying to join the SWU Executive Committee is 5pm on Friday 28th August 2026.
For those who don’t know me, I joined SWU in 2018 as an enthusiastic student social worker. My passion for social work was strong then, and it has only grown since. Since joining the union, I have served as a Union Contact, Executive Committee member, and, for the last year, Vice Chair.
As a practising social worker, I have a particular interest in reflective practice, older people’s mental health and end-of-life care. Every day I see the incredible difference social workers make. I know the power of social work to transform lives, support families and strengthen communities. At the same time, I recognise that too many social workers are being asked to do extraordinary work with one hand tied behind their back.
We are working in a climate of underfunding, high caseloads and increasingly complex challenges affecting the people and families we support. Despite these pressures, social workers continue to demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, compassion and resilience. They deserve to be heard, valued and supported.
Advocating for social workers has always been important to me. Earlier this year, I represented SWU at the House of Commons for World Social Work Day and called on decision-makers to stand in solidarity with social workers. Throughout my time with SWU, I have represented the union at the House of Commons, the House of Lords, on demonstrations and campaigns, including the march against the far right. Wherever I have been, my message has remained the same: social workers must have a seat at the table when decisions affecting people and communities are being made.
My commitment to social justice began long before I became a social worker. Both of my parents were trade unionists, and they taught me the importance of standing up for what is right. In fact, my first campaign came at the age of nine, when I petitioned my local council to improve access to play areas for local children. Ever since then, I have believed that when something is unfair, we have a responsibility to challenge it.
I am tenacious, and I will always speak out on behalf of our members and those in society whose voices are being silenced. I condemn the language of hate that is affecting so many people in our communities, and I will challenge it wherever I encounter it. I stand for unity, for opportunity, and for a society where everybody has the chance to thrive and nobody is left behind.
As a perimenopausal, neurodivergent social worker, I understand many of the challenges that members face in the workplace. I want to help raise standards, improve morale and champion the unique skills, values and expertise that social workers bring.
Away from work, I am a mum to four grown-up boys, Nana to two wonderful granddaughters, a wife, a sister, an aunty and a friend. I share my home with four dogs, a cat and some chickens, and I love getting my hands in the soil and growing vegetables.
Those experiences remind me that it is often the gloriously ordinary things in life that matter most. Yet I regularly see social workers sacrificing time with their families, their hobbies, their health and their wellbeing as they go above and beyond for others. That cannot continue to be the expectation. Social workers deserve a healthy work-life balance. We should not be worked into the ground and left exhausted, unable to provide the support that individuals and families depend upon.
As Interim Chair, I will work hard to lift up the voices of our members, champion our profession and speak truth to power at every opportunity. I believe social workers belong at the heart of conversations and decisions that affect our communities. I believe in building a strong, inclusive and confident profession. Most of all, I believe in the collective strength of our union and our members.
These are challenging times, but they are also full of opportunity. Together, we can build on the incredible foundations laid by those who came before us, welcome new voices and ideas, and continue to fight for the profession we love.
I am excited about what comes next. Let’s build it together.
Chrissie Beatty
Interim Chair, Social Workers Union (SWU)