College of Social Work should rethink, say senior BASW members…

17th January 2011

Three high-profile members of the British Association of Social Workers, have warned that the College of Social Work should rethink its vision radically, in a letter written to Community Care.

They have suggested that the College should focus on leading the sector, and representing social workers.  At present, they believe the College’s focus is more centred on offering its members things like advice, representation, or other material benefits. 

“We are disturbed that the current proposals for the College of Social Work are too focused on ‘member benefits’ and not on developing the contribution of social workers in practice, practice education, research and leadership”, the letter said.

This letter has come only a few days after the news that BASW may announce plans to form a rival college of social work after talks over a merger between the two parties were believed to have broken down.