BASW membership numbers ‘hit record levels’

The British Association of Social Workers has announced record membership levels with 12,100 practitioners, or one in eight, represented by the organisation.

Chief executive Hilton Dawson said BASW was one of the fastest-growing professional bodies in the country, attracting around 50 new members each week.

BASW represents 12% of workforce

Since taking over as leader in May this year, membership has increased from 11,500 to 12,100 – around 12% of the UK’s 100,000 registered social workers. Dawson claimed this was the highest on record, although a spokesperson for the association admitted they only had access to membership figures within the last decade.

“[BASW enjoyed] 7% net growth last year and we are building organisational capacity to achieve 15% growth this year,” Dawson said. “There has never been a better time to join BASW – we are resurgent.”

Record membership

Dawson also claimed BASW’s current membership level of 12,100 is the Dawson’s top priority when he was drafted in as chief executive in May was to raise membership above 11,500.

He sent a “five-point engagement plan” to every major social work employer in the country last month asking them to encourage social workers to join up.

Union affiliation

BASW is also in ongoing talks with Unison about the possibility of affiliation, which could boost membership of the association.

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