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 Member – Northern Ireland Representative

We are looking for a SWU member 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 the Northern Ireland Representative vacancy 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 and Vice Chair of the union are 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 is currently a vacancy for:

  • Northern Ireland Representative: 1 position (2-year appointment)

The successful candidates would take office from the conclusion of the 2025 SWU AGM (26th September 2025) for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Candidates for the SWU Executive must be nominated by two full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) and candidates must have been SWU members for at least 1 year continuously prior to nomination. *unless a student application, which are eligible to apply without being a member for 1 year.

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 under-represented on the Executive Committee.

Candidates must complete a nomination form. The closing date for receipt of nominations is 5pm on Friday 11th July 2025. 

The full timetable for 2025 elections, Executive role description, and nomination form can be download using the links below:

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.

Nomination forms and role descriptions are available to download in the links above or via email from: joanne.marciano@swu-union.org.uk (0121 3899248).