The British Association of Social Workers' U-turn over the national college of social work may have damaged its reputation, according to an insider.
The senior BASW source told Community Care the association had "lost credibility, a great deal of money and three members of council" over its decision to rejoin the college development group, despite nearly 90% of members voting in favour of forming a separate UK college.
Two council members, Ken Terry and Rupert Franklin-Lester, resigned over the council's decision to hold a ballot last month, and Tim Chittleburgh formally resigned as chair last week.
The BASW figure described the decision to rejoin the development group as a "U-turn without explanation".
But Hilton Dawson, BASW chief executive, defended the decision to hold the ballot, despite the fact BASW's council proceeded to rejoin the group regardless.
"There were those who said it was pointless but I think it has been a confirmation of the importance of the issue and the commitment of the profession - as well as a strong statement about the significance of BASW," he said.