Aug
03
John McGowan, Social Workers Union General Secretary from 2016–2026
On behalf of members, colleagues, partners and friends of SWU, we thank John McGowan for 10 remarkable years of leadership and dedicated service.
Category: News
Jul
23
SWU is proud to feature the winners of the SWU Assignment: World Social Work Day 2026 Essay Competition
Four social work students / apprentices have each won a prize of £500 for their outstanding essays on solidarity and hope.
Jul
23
Timms Review complaint: SWU joins DPAC Cymru’s call for independent review
We are asking the new Welsh Government to deliver on their promise and commit to providing practical assistance in achieving a genuine disability review, led independently and democratically by disabled people and our organisations, including our trade unions.
Jul
09
Rising to the Challenges
SWU Ambassador Dr Neil Thompson makes a case for the kind of leadership development our field actually needs.
Jun
29
SWU survey finds unacceptable pressures on social work departments in UK universities
The SWU survey results highlight alarming pressures and raise significant concerns about the future of social work education.
Jun
23
Scotland’s care system emergency
Vulnerable children are in danger and staff are being pushed beyond breaking point. This must not be normalised.
Jun
22
A&R Team Digest – What to Expect from Fitness to Practice Hearings
BASW/SWU Advice & Representation A&R Officer Laura Sheridan answers commonly asked questions about the fitness to practice process.
Jun
18
We Stand with Migrant and Racialised Communities in Belfast
We stand in full solidarity with migrant and racialised communities in Belfast who have been subjected to coordinated racist violence.
Jun
12
SWU and the GFTU are official supporters of the International Conference Against War
Every student and worker, every trade unionist and anti-war activist is invited to join us in London on 20th June 2026.
Jun
09
Solidarity with Social Work Educators: Support the campaign and take the survey
A profession that teaches advocacy, social justice, and anti-oppressive practice must also be willing to advocate for those who educate its future workforce.