Changes at BASW to unify our key operations

We have made some changes to the BASW team to unify our key operations and focus resources on the frontline delivery of member benefits, member services and continuing to build our influence across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Following a restructure, Professor Sam Baron, Interim CEO BASW will be leading BASW’s nation teams in Wales and England and Dr Jane Shears will lead the nation teams of Northern Ireland and SASW.  We have also strengthened our policy, research and public affairs team which will now include our professional development team. The changes are in place from 1st October 2025. 

Like many organisations, BASW has faced financial pressures through increasing costs.  The changes will ensure that BASW is on a strong financial footing for the future and follows a review of services, to strengthen and streamline our operations and focus on member services. 

The new executive team is:

• Professor Sam Baron, Interim CEO BASW and Director of Wales and England.
• Dr Jane Shears Director of Northern Ireland and SASW
• TBC - Director of Finance and Operations (recruitment to this role will begin soon)
• Dr Luke Geoghegan, Strategic Lead Policy, Research, Public Affairs and Professional Learning
• Kate O’Regan, Director of Professional Services & Organisational Development
• Amanda Govani, Director of Communications and External Relations.

"We have a solid base of professional staff at BASW committed to supporting the four nations and we will be working closely with the National Standing Committees of Wales, England, Northern Ireland and SASW to continue to support the unique context of each nation.

“We also are really keen to hear from BASW members to help shape our future and will be launching BASW’s Big Conversation at the end of the year which will include a survey of members and non-members to gather their thoughts and ideas on what they need from their professional association for social work. During this time, we will also be embarking on a Big Conversation with our staff as we embed the changes and listen to our staff in developing a BASW for the future. Our aim is to take BASW forwards as a modern professional association for ALL social workers."

The changes do mean that BASW has wished a fond farewell to a small number of staff including former National Directors Maris Stratulis (BASW England), Alison Bavidge (SASW) and Carolyn Ewart (Northern Ireland) all of whom have contributed significantly to the BASW over some considerable years. We are sorry to see them go and sincerely wish them well in their next steps.