89% of social workers want independent UK college of social work

An overwhelming 89% of Social Workers have voted to take control of their own profession by voting ‘yes’ in a referendum on establishing an independent College of Social Work.

Members of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) used a formal ballot to send a clear message that Social Workers across the UK want a College that is powerful, effective and is led by and accountable to the profession.

More than 5,000 Social Workers took part in the poll, with 4,543 voting ‘yes’ to establishing a College that is effective and sustainable and led by Social Workers for Social Workers.

BASW will now use the huge mandate received from its members to begin work in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on developing a College of Social Work across the UK, through discussions with all governments and parties.

In England, BASW intends to positively engage with the National College, firmly believing that its membership and its democratic mandate will enable the College to survive and flourish.

Fran Fuller, BASW UK Chair said: “We want to use the resounding message from our members to ensure that the board and leadership of the National College is democratically accountable to Social Workers. The nascent National College must be sustainable over the long term and this can only be achieved by ensuring it is rooted in the profession and accountable to Social Workers.”

Commenting on the referendum result, Fran said: “This is a magnificent result. We are the only organisation to actually ask the profession if they want a UK College and to give them the power over how the College is developed.

“This referendum has strengthened our vision of the College which is independent and potent enough to make a real difference in raising the standards and standing of Social Work by improving case loads, entry requirements, continuous professional development, supervision and ultimately ensuring that people that use social work services receive the best possible support.”

The referendum, overseen and scrutinised by the Electoral Reform Service, saw a turnout of 43%, a higher turnout than for many local, national or assembly elections and a major show of support from Social Workers.

BASW believes this proves Social Workers have had enough of not being listened to and are ready to speak out, take positive action and take back the profession.