About SWU - SWU Social Workers Union

Our History

On 21st June 2011 the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) resolved to establish a trade union which was to be called the Social Workers Union (SWU). At that time BASW was becoming increasingly aware that they were being prevented from providing representation to members at employment hearings because the only organisation employers were legally obliged to recognise were certified trade unions. SWU was therefore created to ensure continuing employment representation for members.

SWU’s first General Secretary Hilton Dawson said of the founding of the union, “SWU was registered as a trade union in 2011, open to all social workers and to BASW members who ‘opted in.’ The legal drafts for the Regulator referred to ‘the Social Workers Union’ and for simplicity, that’s how SWU was named. As a registered trade union, our Advice & Representation Officers now had a right to attend all disciplinary meetings alongside members. Our service to members continued to be excellent. Boldly and bravely that’s how BASW laid the foundations for the Social Workers Union to thrive.” SWU’s Honorary Treasurer and Northern Ireland Representative Gerry Madden reflected during this SWU 10th Anniversary Celebration [link to SWU webpage: SWU’s 10th Anniversary], “Looking back, the decision to create the Social Workers Union was an instinctive reaction to protect our members. The availability of Advice and Representations continues, in my opinion, to be the primary motivator as to why people join BASW/SWU.

“I think that the establishment of SWU could be seen as a symbol of hope for social workers in the best historical tradition of trade union activity. In other words, as something which would both protect and further the rights and interests of social workers. I don’t think it’s too fanciful therefore to say that the creation of SWU was a moment of real historical significance in providing hope for social work and social workers.”
SWU’s first General Secretary Hilton Dawson

SWU & BASW

SWU and BASW strive to promote a unified social work profession through a Professional Body (BASW) with guaranteed employment representation from a Trade Union (SWU).

Read more about how SWU and BASW work together here.

SWU – Our History (2011-2021) booklet

Our History

We are pleased to share the official SWU history booklet which covers the first decade of the trade union’s history. A copy of this booklet was e-mailed to all SWU members in celebration of our tenth anniversary on June 21, 2021. You can also download the PDF here: SWU – Our History (2011-2021)

Key SWU history dates include:

2011

21 June 2011 – The BASW Council resolved to establish a trade union which was to be called “The Social Workers Union” and to adopt rules for such trade union.
15 July 2011 – SWU was added to the list of Trade Unions as part of the trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
18 October 2011 – SWU gained certificate of independence from the UK Certification Officer for Trade Unions.
SWU launched Operation Speak Out that highlighted examples of inadequate employer support.

2012

SWU has over 5,000 members.

2015

SWU became a member of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).

2016

SWU’s first (independent from BASW) General Secretary elected.
SWU joined BASW and others to explore the establishment of a Standing Conference for Social Work.

2017

SWU has over 10,000 members.
BASW and SWU launched Respect for Social Work campaign for professional working conditions.
BASW and SWU launched the Boot Out Austerity campaign and published the Leave No Stone Unturned in the Fight Against Austerity: Campaign Action Pack.
SWU began annual SWU Assignment: World Social Work Day student essay competition.

2018

SWU members can now become Union Contacts.
13 March 2018 – SWU and BASW signed formal co-operation agreement.
SWU links with Bath Spa University and BASW to create survey into the UKs largest report on Social Work Working Conditions.
SWU and BASW “working conditions” research was debated May 2018 in the House of Lords.

2019

SWU began funding the Austerity Action Group (AAG).

2020

SWU published Social Work’s Six-Point Urgent Action Plan.
BASW, SWU, and Bath Spa University published the Social Worker Wellbeing and Working Conditions: Good Practice Toolkit.
The SWU Executive Committee appointed the first SWU Ambassadors.

2021

SWU launched the Talk to SWU workplace issues webinar series that is free to attend for all UK social workers and social work students.
SWU joined the Future Social Care Coalition (FSCC).
SWU and Bath Spa University began ground-breaking new research on reflective supervision best practices.
10 June 2021 – SWU and BASW signed an updated version of the formal co-operation agreement which reaffirmed the commitment of our organisations to advance together in our shared goals.
21 June 2021 – SWU celebrated its 10th Anniversary.
SWU has over 15,000 members.
SWU created the SWU Campaign Fund in partnership with Campaign Collective to support member-led activism.
SWU and the Scottish Association of Social Workers (SASW) are members of the first ever Cross-Party Group on Social Work.
SWU Campaign Fund delivers first round of funding for member led campaigns.

2022

SWU launches its new website: www.swu-union.org.uk
Findings from SWU’s 2022 survey for LBC Radio starkly reflect the pressures our members are under.
Welsh Government increased bursaries for both undergraduates and postgraduates in Wales by over 50% following a student-led campaign backed by the SWU Campaign Fund and BASW Cymru.
Results from the Food Is Care campaign group survey, supported by the SWU Campaign Fund, show how widespread food poverty is in the UK.
SWU stands in solidarity with Ukraine.
As a core member of the Future Social Care Coalition (FSCC), SWU attends “Fixing Social Care and the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Agreeing Next Steps” roundtable at the House of Commons.
As a key member of the Working Group on Equal Protection of Children Against Assault, SWU attends Parliamentary Policy Roundtable and speaks to the House of Lords on the topic of banning the corporal punishment of children in England.
SWU among 16 UK Trade Unions to condemn Turkey’s illegal invasion of Northern Iraq and North and Eastern Syria.
SWU stands in solidarity with Palestine.
SWU sponsors the 2022 Tolpuddle ‘Radical Film Festival’.
SWU signs the Care for Every Child joint statement on the urgent need to safeguard unaccompanied children.
SWU speaks at Westminster Education Forum conference “Next steps for the children’s care system in England and improving provision for care leavers” on the topic of social worker working conditions.
SWU and BASW, working in consultation with UK press regulator IMPRESS, launch advice and guidance for journalists reporting on the work of social workers.
SWU Campaign Fund hosts webinar exploring the stepping stones that social workers can take in the fight for decent working conditions.
SWU and the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) agree to work together to understand how the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice and guidance on reporting court cases inform the new guidelines for reporting on the work of social work.
SWU General Secretary and SWU Ambassador contribute to “A Rapid Review of Reflective Supervision in Social Work” research paper in the British Journal of Social Work.
SWU meets with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) to discuss the guidelines for reporting on the work of social work.

2023

SWU publishes blog series on “dog whistle” discrimination.
SWU signs the Migrant Workers’ Pledge and calls for the Government to end rampant exploitation of migrant workers.
Student social workers, with the support of the SWU Campaign Fund and SASW, explain to the Scottish Government the challenges they face and the need for better bursary support in Scotland.
SWU signs the Together Through This Crisis coalition’s open letter calling for government action to stop this cost-of-living crisis.
SWU stands in solidarity with the transgender and non-binary community.
SWU Ambassador challenge the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to set out what steps the Government will take to improve the equality of distribution of – and access to – bursaries for student social workers in England.
A cross-party committee of MSPs agrees to support the need for social work university students to be provided with bursaries during the final years of their courses in Scotland.
SWU launches rapid reporting mechanism for social workers concerned about media coverage, following a discussion of the topic by the IPSO Readers’ Panel.
SWU and the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) submit GFTU AGM motion calling on the UK Government to recognise the impact of austerity and cost-of-living crisis.
SWU research shows sluggish growth in part-time and flexible social work roles between 2022 – 2023.
SWU event outlines how social workers can seek help from press regulator IPSO.
SWU signs UNICEF UK’s Early Moments Matter petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a National Baby and Toddler Guarantee.
SWU signs the Together Against Charging: Trade Union and Migrant Organisation Statement calling out the UK Government’s plan to fund NHS pay rise with higher migrant fees.
SWU interview of Emeritus Professor June Thoburn published in Professional Social Work Magazine.
Backed by SWU and BASW, over 400 social work students in England call to reform social work bursaries.
SWU interviews film director Ken Loach about poverty, politics, and social work.
SWU signs Free School Meals for All open letter to the Prime Minister.
BASW/SWU Advice and Representation (A&R) publishes new guidance sheets to support members across a wide range of employment law matters and on fitness to practice processes.
SWU international knowledge exchange trip with the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation in Ontario, Canada.
Social work students, with the backing of the SWU Campaign Fund and SASW, win postgraduate funding reform in Scotland.
SWU publishes Advice and Representation (A&R) blog series on the discrimination and disadvantage social workers are facing with employers.
SWU supports SASW’s One Deal for Social Work campaign for national terms and conditions in Scotland.

2024

SWU supports the Children’s Charities Coalition campaign calling on the UK Government to put babies, children, and young people at the heart of policy making.
SWU publishes “Quick Reference Guide – Political Terminologies”.
Findings from SWU’s 2024 survey for The Independent reveal that social workers’ concerns about welfare not dealt with by authorities, a continuing mental health and recruitment crisis in social work, children living in dangerous conditions, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
SWU launches the Neurodiversity Pledge for Social Work Employers, produced by a group of neurodivergent social workers, with the aim to create a neuro-inclusive culture in organisations.
SWU Campaign Fund supports the first Diaspora Social Worker Conference in the UK.
SWU, the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP), and BASW warn political party leaders of household mould crisis.
Austerity Action Group (AAG) launches updated “Battling the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Campaign Action Pack” as a toolkit for activism.
BASW, SWU, and UNISON issue a joint statement on Social Work England fitness to practice hearing delays.
Figures from SWU research used in End Fuel Poverty Coalition and Energy Action Scotland warning to members of the Scottish Parliament about cold homes.
SWU meets with Ofcom to discuss media portrayal of the social work profession.
The SWU Conference 2024 – solidarity, activism, and social justice was held in Manchester.
SWU and BASW NI jointly publish research highlighting the dire financial circumstances of social work students in Northern Ireland and call for an increase in bursaries.
A coalition of trade unions and campaign groups, including SWU and the GFTU, launch the Make Equality Real campaign.
SWU research shows slight increase in the number of employers offering part-time and flexible working conditions between 2023 – 2024.
SWU endorses Fuel Poverty Action (FPA) “Energy For All” campaign and Manifesto.
SWU and Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) publish “Reflective Supervision: A Best Practice Guide“.
SWU publishes Make Equality Real blog series highlighting the impacts of austerity.
SWU General Secretary speaks at the Free School Meals for All National Tour event at Parliament Square.
SWU Executive Committee honours Angi Naylor for her contributions to the union and social work.
SWU celebrates 125 years of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).
Campaigning social work students, backed by the SWU Campaign Fund and SASW, welcome promises made by the Scottish Government on bursaries for students working in front-line roles during their undergraduate studies.
SWU gains formal trade union recognition with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB).
SWU and BASW stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
SWU and SASW marched together at “Resilient and Rising: Marching for 40 Years” in Glasgow on St Andrew’s Day to show that there is no room for racism or fascism in Scotland.
SWU’s 2024 survey for ITV News is the largest survey of UK social workers to date, and its findings reveal an ongoing poverty crisis for children.

2025

Upcoming: The SWU AGM 2025 will take place online on Friday 26^th September 2025.