BASW could return to national college development group

The British Association of Social Workers could return to the official national college development group even if its members vote to form a breakaway organisation.

Results of the referendum on whether to form a separate UK college of social work, which BASW originally proposed in March, are due to be released later today.

Yet the association’s council, the governing body made up of senior members, may abandon the plans even if the ballot gains a positive result.

The council is meeting this afternoon to discuss whether the organisation should rejoin the development group for the official college being developed as part of the social work reform programme for England.

The association was barred from the development group after it announced it had launched the ballot, after concluding that the model being developed under the social work reform programme was not independent or “compelling” enough.

Acting chair Fran Fuller and chief executive Hilton Dawson will meet with representatives from the development group tomorrow, regardless of the outcome of the ballot.

Meanwhile Tim Chittleburgh has formally resigned as chair of BASW after a council majority decided it would be inappropriate for him to chair today’s meeting. It is understood this was because of comments made by Chittleburgh about the college debate in the media.

Chittleburgh, who was due to return to the post of chair after stepping aside at the end of last year, will continue to run for re-election as chair. The results of the election will be announced at BASW’s annual general meeting on 20 May.

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