BASW members to be given vote on College merger

The British Association of Social Workers has revealed members will still be able to vote in November on whether to merge with the College of Social Work, despite the recent breakdown in talks.

The College announced on Wednesday that it was halting negotiations with BASW and would launch on 3 January, without the association’s support; a decision that left BASW “gravely disappointed”.

But in a letter to members published on the association’s website today, chief executive Hilton Dawson confirmed that members would still be able to vote on whether to transfer BASW’s assets into the College. This resolution is subject to final approval by BASW’s council.

Dawson said two other resolutions would be tabled at the additional general meeting on 1 November:

● To establish BASW as a separate college of social work.

● To strengthen and develop BASW and its arm’s-length union.

“We are still hopeful that we may be able to persuade the interim board [of the College of Social Work] to return to negotiations,” Dawson wrote.

“Over the next few weeks we will aim to talk to the interim board and to Scie, as well as key stakeholders, the UK and devolved governments and anyone we think can help.

“The resolutions for transfer will be on the order paper for the additional general meeting, but they will not be formally put to [BASW’s members] without a further decision by the council, which will be taken shortly before the meeting.”

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