Do Social Work England and BASW Understand the Realities of Social Work?
As an experienced Social Worker, I know that the profession is full of complexities. It is mixed with both rewarding moments alongside overwhelming challenges. Recently, the surprise proposed 33% fee increase from Social Work England (SWE) has sparked conversations among colleagues and friends within the industry and beyond. It sort of felt like a belated birthday present, only to open the box and find an unexpected bill inside.
It’s made me reflect on the roles SWE and BASW play in our careers and how their differences affect us day to day.
When I think of the differences between both entities, I have come to the conclusion that SWE is the Rule Enforcer. Its responsible for regulating our profession, making sure that we follow the rules to protect the public which is understandable. It’s like having a referee on the field, necessary for fair play, but sometimes it feels like they’re quick to blow the whistle without considering why we might be struggling. When you’re managing a heavy caseload, juggling endless paperwork, dealing with endless bureaucracy not helped by government spending cuts and facing emotional burnout, it’s frustrating to feel more scrutinised than supported.
On the other hand, BASW is the organisation that’s supposed to be in our corner. They advocate for better working conditions, fair pay, and professional development. Think of BASW as the coach who wants you to succeed, offering guidance and encouragement. But like many others, I’ve sometimes wondered if BASW could do more to amplify our voices, especially when it comes to issues like the SWE fee increase.
The tension between SWE and BASW often comes down to their different priorities. SWE’s job is to protect the public, which sometimes means investigating mistakes and holding social workers accountable. But what about the root causes of those mistakes i.e. things like unmanageable workloads, inadequate resources, and the emotional toll of the job? That’s where BASW steps in, advocating for systemic change. They champion better working conditions, fair pay, and greater respect for the profession. Still, their efforts can sometimes feel distant when you’re on the frontline, struggling to make a difference with limited support. Perhaps it’s because BASW, like a multitasking juggler, is balancing several arms of influence—policy advocacy, public campaigns, and broader initiatives like World Social Work Day. While each of these areas is essential, it can sometimes feel as though the day-to-day realities of social workers get lost in the shuffle, leaving frontline professionals wondering if their voices are truly being heard.
Now, with SWE proposing to raise our registration fees from £90 to £120, the frustration is reaching a tipping point. As someone balancing career, family, and the rising cost of living, I understand why so many social workers are saying, “Enough is enough.” Paying more to stay in a profession that already demands so much feels like a slap in the face. And the fact that social workers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland pay less only adds to the sense of unfairness.
This is why grassroots movements, like our petition against SWE’s fee increase, are so important. They give social workers a platform to speak up and push for change. With over 1,900 signatures and counting, it’s clear that we’re not alone in feeling frustrated. But imagine how much more powerful our voices could be if SWE and BASW worked together—if SWE focused on supporting social workers before issues arise, and if BASW did more to amplify grassroots movements like this one.
As social workers, we need both accountability and support. We need SWE to recognise the challenges that everyday social workers face and advocate for solutions that go beyond punishment. We need BASW to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, not just during high-profile campaigns but in the everyday battles we face. Most importantly, we need to remember that our collective voice has power. By standing together, we can push for a system that values and supports social workers—not just as professionals, but as people.
👉 Join the Movement: Help us advocate for fairer fees and greater support by signing the petition: https://chng.it/tkkc2Tgwxs
💬 Share Your Story: How do SWE and BASW impact your life as a social worker? Leave a comment and join the conversation.
#FairFeesForSocialWorkers #WeAreNotATMs #SWEFeeIncrease #SupportSocialWorkers #SocialWorkUnity #FacesOfSocialWork
