BASW rep withdraws after exclusion from college group

The British Association of Social Workers’ representative on the college development group has stepped down from the role following the group’s decision to bar him from meetings.

Bill McKitterick said it was “most regrettable” that the development group had asked him to stop attending at a time when “critical decisions” were being made about the college of social work, including its election of an interim chair.

“That could make it more difficult for BASW to rejoin the development group later,” he said. “And I’m clear that the involvement of everyone, including BASW, is vital to the development of a college – be it national or UK-wide.”

McKitterick, a social care consultant who plans to remain in his role as BASW council treasurer, added that he “fully agreed” with the chair of the Social Work Reform Board, Moira Gibb, that all parties must work together to form a college.

Allan Bowman, chair of the college development group, said: “Bill McKitterick’s decision to stand down as the BASW council lead on the college development group is entirely his decision. The development group will continue to work with BASW regardless of who they nominate as their representative on college discussions.”

Community Care can also confirm that a second member has resigned from BASW’s council over its decision to ballot members on proposals to form a separate college of social work.

Rupert Franklin-Lester, a senior children and families social worker at East Sussex Council, declined to comment on his reasons for leaving.

Ken Terry also resigned from the council last month after it voted nine-four in favour of balloting members on the proposals for a separate college. He accused BASW of spending “several thousands of pounds” on a “meaningless referendum”.

Related articles

Ken Terry quits after over ‘meaningless’ referendum

BASW asked to step down from social work college talks

BASW barred from national college development group

Moira Gibb urges BASW to sue for peace over college talks

More from Community Care

Comments are closed.