BASW to create social work college

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has announced it is to establish a college of social work. The association, which has around 12,000 members, hopes by creating a college social work can “take responsibilty of its future” and ensure people get the best possible services from highly-trained and qualified social workers.

Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting, Tim Chittleburgh, the new chair of BASW, said: “A college of social work would advance social work to benefit the sector, promote excellence, set and maintain standards and raise the perception of the profession.

“We envisage a new career structure where experience, skills and qualifications are integrated with remuneration to provide much better prospects for social workers and excellent services for the people across the UK.”

The announcement came as Hilton Dawson formally assumed the post of chief executive of the association.

He said: “Thousands of practitioners across the country do their utmost in difficult circumstances to provide the best services possible for vulnerable people. Establishing a college would build on the talents and dedication of these people and ensure an even stronger workforce, better trained and more ready for future demands.”