BASW Chief Executive elected to IFSW Europe Presidency

We are delighted to share that BASW CEO, Dr Ruth Allen has been announced as the new Regional President of the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) Europe.
Ruth Allen

Ruth will continue in her role as Chief Executive of BASW alongside the new leadership role with IFSW Europe.  This will bring a unique and exciting opportunity to raise BASW’s profile and influence nationally and internationally, strengthening our connectedness to the global community of social workers and to agendas and challenges beyond our shores.

Ruth was elected to the role at the IFSW global General Meeting in Panama where the Latin American region of IFSW is now holding the first in person global conference since Covid in Panama City. Ruth will succeed Ana Radulescu in this role supported by the IFSW Europe Executive Team and many active members across Europe and in the UK. 

IFSW is the global body for the social work profession. It works alongside its national members, of which BASW is one, to advocate for human rights, social justice and social development through promoting social work best practice, common ethics and values, educational standards and engagement in international cooperation. It has five regional teams- Europe, Africa, North America, Asia & Pacific and Latin America & Caribbean.

IFSW Europe represents the international body at the EU, Council of Europe and at UN centres in Geneva and Vienna. It works with European members to represent their interests and support their national responses to a number of global social work issues; including asylum and immigration, social justice and supporting individuals and communities affected by disasters, such as climate change and conflicts. It also promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development opportunities for social workers across Europe in social work practice and education.

As a membership led organisation, our work is driven by our 22,000 strong UK-wide membership. Our members guide our direction on key issues affecting our profession, shape our campaigns, representation and advocacy on their behalf and determine our membership offer to them. By continuing to extend our reach, presence and visibility in international social work, BASW members will be at the forefront of this greater influence, supporting our overarching mission to improve our profession, the lives of people we work with, and wider society.

Commenting on her appointment, BASW Chief Executive Dr Ruth Allen said:

"I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the new President of IFSW Europe. 

“I look forward to working closely with all our members and partners to advance our organisation's mission. We need to work together across Europe to promote the vital role that social work plays in building just and equitable societies. 

“I aim to build more connections between social workers across Europe and globally, to promote the sharing of knowledge and solidarity across our profession, and to raise up the voice of social work as a force for good across all our societies."

BASW UK Chair, Julia Ross commented:

“We are delighted to hear this wonderful news. The full BASW Council welcomes and applauds Ruth’s exceptional drive and determination to make a difference for social work, the people we work with and social workers, most especially our members. 

“Ruth’s outstanding leadership will now extend beyond our four nations to an international and global influence at a time when this is needed so much. We wish her well and look forward to working with her over the next four years.”

Outgoing IFSW Europe President, Ana Rădulescu added: 

“I sincerely congratulate you on your election as the new president of IFSW Europe. It is an honour to pass the torch to someone who is dedicated and passionate about promoting the values and principles of social work. 

“I wish you all the strength and wisdom you need to lead IFSW Europe to new heights of excellence and innovation. I am confident that you will continue to make significant contributions to the promotion of human rights, social justice and solidarity among social work professionals.”

You can hear more about the work of IFSW, our International Committee and Ruth’s new role at our upcoming UK and International Policy General Meeting either in-person or online on the afternoon of 30 April. Register your place and vote on member motions here.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact us on governance@basw.co.uk