Work With SWU

Current Vacancies

Thank you for your interest in the Social Workers Union (SWU), the UK trade union dedicated to representing the interests of social workers and the social work profession.

Vacancies for staff and committee member roles will be listed here as they become available.

SWU Executive Committee Members

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.

SWU is now seeking nominations from members to fill vacancies on its Executive Committee. 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.

The General Secretary is elected by the membership and then provided with a mandate from the Executive to manage the union, the SWU staff and SWU’s key functions and legal responsibilities. Executive members can take on responsibilities and activities relevant to their interests and expertise and may represent SWU externally.

The Executive Committee is made up of twelve members: at least two members from England; at least one member each from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales (national representatives); a Student / NQSW Representative and up to six others (UK representatives). The Chair of the union is elected by the Executive from among the representatives.

The time commitment includes attendance at up to six Executive meetings a year (online or in person) and occasional additional days such as attendance at Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Attendance at Executive meetings is remunerated (if applicable) and expenses can be claimed for other SWU activity.

There are currently vacancies for:

  • UK Representatives: 3 positions (2-year appointment)
  • Scotland Representative: 1 position (2-year appointment)
  • Wales Representative: 1 position (2-year appointment)
  • England Representative: 1 position (2-year appointment)
  • England Representative: 1 position (3-year appointment)
  • Northern Ireland Representative: 1 position (3-year appointment)
  • Student / NQSW Representative: 1 position (2-year appointment)

The successful candidates would take office from the conclusion of the 2026 SWU AGM (27th November 2026) for a 2-year term or 3-year term depending upon the position. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Eligibility

All candidates for election must be a Member of the Union and have been a Member of the Union for a minimum of 1 year continuously immediately prior to nomination (except for student representative applications).

A candidate for election must be nominated by two Members of the Union. In the case of the National Representatives, nomination must be by two members within the relevant nation. Appropriate Executive applications will be reviewed by a SWU nomination committee for consideration and endorsement. The endorsement process will indicate whether an application is endorsed; however, applicants will still be entitled to stand for election where an election process is required. All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.

SWU encourages applications from Students / Newly Qualified Social Workers and Social Workers from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently underrepresented on the Executive Committee.

Candidates must complete a nomination form.

The closing date for receipt of nominations has been extended to 5pm on Monday 28th September 2026.

Completed nomination forms must be accompanied by a head and shoulders photograph in a TIFF or JPEG format. These should be sent via email to: joanne.marciano@swu-union.org.uk

Please note that nominees need to provide full contact details including a telephone number and email address.