I'm umming and ahhing about joining BASW and wondered if there was anyone out there who could tell me whether it's worth the £180 fee? I like the idea of being a member of a professional association but I'm a bit concerned about some of things I've heard, which is that it's a club for older social workers and that there are only 11,000 members. I can't help wondering if others know something I don't...

 

Hi!  I am going to say 'yes, you should!'  However, I should confess that I do work for BASW.  I have been a member of BASW for 20 years as a Social Worker, trainer, training manager and hospital social work team manager, and started working for them 3 years ago.  I had never been in any doubt I should be a member - for me it was asserting my professional identity and in case I ever needed the Advice and Representation Service (can't be too careful).  I was not, however, an active member, although always pleased to receive Social Work Today and over the last decade plus Professional Social Work.  A club for older social workers - well, I'm 48; I was young when I joined but age catches up with one and I wouldn't call myself old yet.  We do have many younger members and student members too, although our older members sometimes have a bit more prominence as they may be retired or part time working and therefore have more time to get involved.  11,000 out of 70,000+ registered Social Workers - but we are the only professional association for social workers so when the Govt or whoever wants to talk to someone about social work, they come to us.  We would love more members of course as then we could do so much more and be a stronger voice,although I think it is fair to say we punch above our weight when it comes to responding to media, etc.  One of the things BASW members who are able to be active in the organisation say is 'BASW is a member organisation' - I think this means we respond to what our members indicate they want and need, although there is always the balance between services and resources (in our case people).  I have been surprised at how few responses we get to questions or controversial statements in PSW or our new electronic England Newsletter as it is easy to get in touch and influence what we are saying on your behalf.  So um and ah no longer - join BASW, contribute your views, feelings, etc and influence the way BASW works for you!

Thanks for that Carer1. On the point of the government coming to you whenever an issue concerning social work is discussed, do you think it comes to you enough, on a full range of social care related issues, rather than core social work stuff such as the roles and tasks review, and do you think it takes your contributions seriously enough?

On the media point, BASW's ability to make news is inextricably linked to social work's - and beyond child protection "scandals" this is obviously going to be limited. It would be good to hear a bit more about BASW's approach to relations with the national press and broadcasters, given your comment about punching above your weight. Is there a case for BASW having a dedicated press office function perhaps?

As for the final point about responses to controversial statements in PSW, are all of these relayed to us at Community Care (though maybe this means we should be paying more attention to PSW!)? We're always happy to give these an airing.

Having said all that - and I don't mean to criticise, only to question - I think as many social workers should be joining BASW as possible. Carrying the majority of the profession with you would be a surefire way to exert more influence.

 

Thanks, Mithran.  Do the Govt come to us enough?  Yes and no.   We keep a careful eye on formal consultations etc (see our responses on our website www.basw.co.uk)  A colleague and I had a helpful meeting at the Dept for Children Schools and Families last week (one of our issues at the moment is a fear they are galloping ahead with Newly Qualified SW status which we welcome by and large, but they may leave behind SWs who work with adults or in criminal justice) and I met Ivan Lewis before Christmas when Putting People First was issued.  We were of course involved in Roles and Tasks (Social Work at its Best) and if you could find out what's happened to that the social work world would be very grateful!  Our Committees discuss and act upon issues involving all areas of social care, but are only as strong as the members who sign up.

We have talked in the organisation about a Press Officer and while at the moment we may not go down that route - we feel that staff who are social workers should respond to media queries, etc, there is no doubt we could be more proactive with Press Releases etc - it all comes back to more members, more potential for staff with time to do this.

We are hoping soon to have our own regular blog on the Com Care website, so we will do our best to be controversial and get social workers talking!

£180 a year ?

 

£180 a year?  Students - £3.50 a month; not in renumerative employment - £8.00; qualified less than 5 yrs or part time - £11.50; full time qualified over 5yrs - £16.50 a month.  Includes free PSW (monthly mag) and national magazine or electronic newsletter, Advice and Representation Service and £2m indemnity insurance.  Cheaper than the Unions.  See website for full details.

At £180 pa I think the price is generally comparable to the unions depending on what salary you are on - as above BASW's fees depend on length of time qualified, UNISON (realistically the only union social workers are likely to join) fees are based on gross salary bands (the maximum monthly fee is about £17-18 once you are on about £32k pa).

• From BASW you will receive the social work specific PSW (Professional Social Work).
• From the union you will receive more paper but covering a wider range of interests as it covers education, health, and generally anyone in any role in any of the social care sectors. 
• If you work for a local authority the odds are UNISON negotiate your annual pay award, or at least have some discussion with management around that time.
• If you ever need A&R (hopefully never of course) you may want to consider that your nearest union steward could be working in a very different field of work to yourself and have little understanding of some of the issues involved in your case. 
• Most unions these days seem to be fairly toothless tiger but do bear in mind that if you join the union you may one day be faced with the expectation that you do not cross a picket line.
• Unions tend to be more concerned with the day to day issues that will affect you in the workplace - Health & Safety for example
• BASW operates more around the policy issues that will affect you in your professional role - liaising with governments etc

For your professional identity I would recommend BASW.  If you are interested in the more political stance that the unions take I would recommend UNISON.  If you can afford it go for both.  They both have a valuable role to play in social work and they both need the membership to be more effective.  Both do more work behind the scenes that most of the membership are aware of.  Sadly too many social workers join neither.

As food for thought there are at least two other debates going on in other parts of this forum that relate both to the role of BASW and the politisation of social work in which both organisations are mentioned.  If ever you decide to go independent you will be kicked out of the union (as I was) - union members can't be self employed.  My views are based on my current BASW membership and my former UNISON membership, having also once been a union steward.  Hope that helps.

Snorky,

            I'm not sure if you will take advice from an oldie. I suggest if you are full time that the fee is quite reasonable for a professional association. Local groups seem to be dominated by oldies- mine is I think and they struggle to attract young people. I reckon we need younger people with energy and motivation to get in and excite the profession. It needs lifting out of the doldrums in some respects and young enthusiastic social workers need to take on the challenge. So there snorky -get in and make a difference - you are needed.

Good luck

Bill G

'Carer 1' very openly and honestly describes both BASW's strengths and weaknesses and I give enormous credit for such openness and honesty. It is right that members generally do not seem to be at all actively involved - there are, of course, a variety of reasons for that but it is regretable nonetheless because unless BASW can break through its long-established membership base of around 10,000 and, as 'Carer 1' indicates have more (and different voices) to respond to the many issues around in social work / social care then it will lose out on being able to really demonstrate that it is member-led.

Membership costs are very reasonable and tax deductible. Historically their magazine 'Social Work Today' (SWT) was far more vibrant than 'Professional Social Work' (PSW) and really rivalled 'Community Care' but decisions around finance led to it being sold off - another huge mistake.

So, yes, it is a Professional Association well worth belonging to. It is not perfect and there are, from time to time, internal tensions, but, hey, what organisation can claim otherwise!!!

I think they do ok for a small organisation. I wonder what they need to do to get more mainstream media coverage?

I was extremely saddened to read that Lisa Arthurworry succeeded in her appeal to the Care Standards Commission against GSCC de-registration 'in spite of' BASW's representation of her and that if ever there was a case where BASW should have appointed a QC this was it. The Care Standards Commission was right to state that members are entitled to the best possible advice. For BASW in such a high profile Case only to have her represented by a 'Caseworker' was, it seems to me, inexcusable - and on the last day of the Hearing HE couldn't even turn up!

BASW members PAY for Advice and Representation - the Organisation should not be both 'judge and jury' - if nothing else SURELY BASW WOULD WANT TO TRY TO DEFEND ONE OF ITS OWN MEMBERS to maintain its own credibility and high standards.

I have always taken the view that when cases go tragically wrong that often there are clear faults elsewhere then with the individual social worker - and there surely were in the case of Victoria Climbie.

I hope that BASW will look carefully at the criticisms made of it and seek to respond in a way which will  reassure its members - and potential members.