Events in the SWU calendar
Share your experiences of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace directily with MPs.
“Refuse work. Revolt against capitalism. Read Harry Cleaver. In that order. Repeat.” SWU Executive Committee Member Edith Till reports on Robert Ovetz launching Points of Departure: Refusal of Work and the Crisis of Capitalism: The Collected Writings of Harry Cleaver (Common Notions 2026) on 16th July 2026 in MayDay Rooms, London. Points of Departure: Refusal…
Learn more Points of Departure: A Harry Cleaver Reader Book Launch with Robert Ovetz
The GFTU Summer School 2026 taught dozens of workers radical political economy, organising skills, and lessons from our history for today.
Learn more General Federation of Trade Unions Summer School 2026
This Talk to SWU webinar session is an opportunity for members to meet our new General Secretary and Interim Chair, learn more about their union, and how to get more involved.
Learn more Talk to SWU webinar: What we do at SWU and how to get more involved – September 15th
We are looking for SWU members committed to social work and trade unionism, who can represent the decision-making process covering members and offer insight and accountability. Executive Members play a key part in setting SWU’s direction and overseeing its aims and mission, as part of SWU’s three-year plan. As you may have read in the…
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.
On behalf of members, colleagues, partners and friends of SWU, we thank John McGowan for 10 remarkable years of leadership and dedicated service.
Learn more John McGowan, Social Workers Union General Secretary from 2016–2026
Four social work students / apprentices have each won a prize of £500 for their outstanding essays on solidarity and hope.
SWU Ambassador Dr Neil Thompson makes a case for the kind of leadership development our field actually needs.
Every student and worker, every trade unionist and anti-war activist is invited to join us in London on 20th June 2026.
Learn more SWU and the GFTU are official supporters of the International Conference Against War
A profession that teaches advocacy, social justice, and anti-oppressive practice must also be willing to advocate for those who educate its future workforce.
Learn more Solidarity with Social Work Educators: Support the campaign and take the survey
Social work students and apprentices be sure to submit your entries by June 14th for the chance to win £500.
Learn more Meet the markers for the SWU Assignment: World Social Work Day 2026 Essay Competition
SWU will screen the new version of The Story of Jenin on June 10th at 7pm and a Q&A with the director afterward.
This consultation is one of the only opportunities to highlight the harm these proposals will do to children and adults, and the problems they are likely to cause for local authorities and the voluntary sector left to pick up the pieces when people are left without support.
Calling all social work academics working on university-based programmes in the UK!
Learn more SWU survey of social work academics working on university-based programmes in the UK
This statement provides an overview of SWU General Secretary election processes and addresses several of the questions raised by members.
We are pleased to announce the result of the election: Dave Callow has been elected as SWU General Secretary.
Learn more SWU General Secretary Election 2026 Result Announcement
A brief update regarding the SWU General Secretary election results.
A statement from the MWRC and an invitation to join the Migrant Workers’ Rights Bloc on May 4th in London.
Learn more May Day 2026: Migrants’ Rights Are Workers’ Rights
This year’s theme ‘psychosocial risks and mental wellbeing at work’ is a pressing issue for social workers.
SWU stands with the Together Alliance’s coalition of organisations representing over 7 million people who are committed to defending human rights and solidarity with marginalised communities.
SWU and BASW took the WSWD 2026 celebration to Westminster with the second meeting of the Cross-Party Group for Social Work.
The week commencing 30th March will see ballot papers despatched to eligible members, asking you to vote for one of two candidates for the important role of General Secretary.
Learn more SWU General Secretary 2026 Election: Further Information
SWU Chair Dave Callow encourages our union members to join him in London for the Together Alliance march.
Learn more March with SWU and the Together Alliance on March 28th