Fuller fends off Chittleburgh in ballot for BASW chair

Fran Fuller has been elected UK chair of the British Association of Social Workers, the organisation’s annual meeting was told today.

Fuller, a social work lecturer at Derby University, ran against former chair Tim Chittleburgh, who was seeking re-election after stepping aside in December. Fuller received 466 votes and Chittleburgh 226.

Fuller said: “When I became acting chair in December, it was a role I may not have chosen at the time – but it’s one I have embraced.”

She said a priority for BASW would be the college of social work, which is being developed as part of the Social Work Reform Programme for England. BASW was asked to leave the official development group after launching a referendum of its members over the possibility of launching a UK-wide college under a different model, but has since re-joined the group.

Fuller added that she would be “knocking on [newly appointed children’s minister] Tim Loughton’s door” to ask for his support for the college.

Beverley Prevatt Goldstein, a member of BASW’s council, welcomed Fuller’s election. “Fran’s manner is inclusive, down to earth and reflects her grounding in social work practice,” she said.

Fuller has been elected for two years.

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