The mindfulness-based social work and self-care (MBSWSC) programme focusses on improving social work practice and self-care. It is a programme which has developed a strong evidence base for its effectiveness at reducing stress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation of service users, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving well-being and a range of social work practice skills and competencies.
Research findings and practice experience provide compelling evidence that animal abuse in the context of domestic abuse is a tactic of coercive control and an act of animal cruelty (Arkow, 2014; Barrett et al, 2017; DeGue et al, 2009; Fitzgerald et al, 2019; Newberry, 2017; Richards, 2009, Wakeham, 2025). Although the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse is uncontested, it is an issue that is often not translated into practice.
In this session led by Soyeb Aswat, we will explore different approaches to working with people experiencing a mental health crisis, which consider their spiritual needs, alongside traditional western social or medical intervention models.
This online lunch time session will provide an opportunity for members to learn more about BASW UK activities, your membership benefits, advice and representation and how you can access CPD, be involved in our campaigns, consultations, networks and special interest groups.
Your Professional Association connects you with other social workers working in diverse settings across different nations at different stages of career pathways.
Human rights and social justice are core social work values and together we can promote the voice of social work and the BASW Code of Ethics.
During this session we will hear from a social worker based in a GP practice and learn how being in a universal service such as a GP practice leads to people feeling more able to ask for support or be identified as needing input at a much earlier stage.
We will explore the benefits and challenges related to this service model and consider opportunities this may present in an MDT context.
There will be time for Q and A and general discussion.
Delivered by BASW’s accredited training partner DCC-i via MS Teams. Recording with Care Training for Students/NQSWs supports the Following National Requirements:
England: PCF7 – Interventions and Skills, Adult PQS6 – Effective Assessment and Outcome-Based Support Planning, , Childrens PQS7 – Analysis, Decision-Making, Planning and Review.
Scotland: CLE2 – Communication, engagement and relationship-based practice/ CLE3 – Critical Thinking, Professional Judgement and Decision-Making
Our aim is to challenge ageism and advocate for more effective social work practice in later life.
Our work includes: • Advocating for social work responses to improve wellbeing through allyship and empowerment • Promoting policy and holistic practice that recognises diversity and intersecting experiences within the ageing population • Promoting social work in later life in education and professional development • Developing and sharing evidence about how social work contributes to positive ageing.
These Community of Practice sessions are designed to be dedicated reflective places for practicing MHOs across Scotland to network with peers and engage in reflective discussion on prearranged topics to support professional learning and development. There will be a CoP for MHOs planned on a quarterly basis and each CoP will have a dedicated theme. The CoPs will attract 3 hours CPD. Please book below and come and join us. You will receive an agenda and some reading prior to the session, which will be used to inform the discussion. The session will take place on MS Teams.
The idea for this group has organically grown from the BASW Independent Social Worker online FaceBook group, where people have been reaching out within the forum to share information, seek advice and guidance. Showing the need for a platform to discuss the positives and the issues impacting the fostering world. The responses have been very heartfelt and demonstrate the necessity of having a community support group, with a common theme of fostering assessments and the evolution of this work.
The panel is jointly run by the Scottish Association of Social Work, the Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser, and Social Work Scotland. The panel was created to bring together experienced frontline workers, newly qualified workers, students and policy makers in Government to address the issues affecting social work today. It is an opportunity to influence those policy makers and the future of social work with your experience and knowledge.
This online forum is for NQSWs, social workers looking for their first employed role in England or a change in role and those looking to return to the profession after a career break.
This online forum is for social workers looking for their first employed social work role in England or for those who are looking to return to the profession after a career break. You may also find the session helpful if you have been in the same role for a long time and are now applying for alternative social work jobs.
Our aim is to challenge ageism and advocate for more effective social work practice in later life.
Our work includes: • Advocating for social work responses to improve wellbeing through allyship and empowerment • Promoting policy and holistic practice that recognises diversity and intersecting experiences within the ageing population • Promoting social work in later life in education and professional development • Developing and sharing evidence about how social work contributes to positive ageing.
Next meeting of the CSW SIG is on 10th February 2026, starting at 6.30pm.
Internationally, Community-based Social Work (CSW) is definitely NOT dead in the water.
Nations facing country-wide disasters know they need to support whole communities. It is time for a revival of our collective understanding about what CSW is and what it can achieve.
If you have an interest in CSW or have ever used CSW skills, join colleagues at this meeting and be part of the BASW Special Interest Group (SIG).
A safe community space for neurodivergent (ND) student social workers, ASYE and newly qualified social workers (NQSW) in the UK.
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 6.30pm till 8pm – all students, NQSWs and ASYE social workers who are neurodivergent (no formal diagnosis necessary) are most welcome to come along.