BASW chief suspended following allegations about his conduct

Hilton Dawson was suspended from his role as chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) following allegations about his conduct, it has been confirmed.

Community Care revealed on Friday that BASW’s policy development manager Bridget Robb had been appointed acting chief executive of BASW “in Hilton Dawson’s absence”. At the time, BASW was unable to reveal the reasons for Dawson’s departure.

However, the association has today confirmed that an independent investigation will be carried out into allegations about Dawson’s conduct.

BASW’s arms-length trade union, the Social Workers Union’s (SWU), last night agreed that acting assistant general secretary David Allan would take over Dawson’s duties as general secretary during Dawson’s suspension.

A spokesperson for BASW said: “Bridget and David will work together to ensure BASW and SWU continue to operate effectively in the very best interests of members.

“It is important to stress that suspension is a neutral act to enable a full and proper investigation when potentially important conduct issues are considered. Since the case concerns confidential personnel matters, BASW will be offering no further comment at this stage.”

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