Social workers call for an increase in student social work bursaries

The British Association of Social Workers Northern Ireland (BASW NI) and the Social Workers Union (SWU) have jointly published research highlighting the dire financial circumstances of social work students.

The report, Campaign to increase the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme: The case for change, calls for an uplift in the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme to £7,000 per year.

Under the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme, the Department of Health provides eligible student social workers an annual payment of £4,000 and an allowance of £500 towards travel costs associated with practice placements. 

An online survey of social work students in Northern Ireland found that for nearly all (98%), the annual payment is not sufficient to meet the costs associated with completing the Degree in Social Work. More than half (55%) stated the student incentive scheme should be increased by at least £3,000 per year. In addition, nearly all participants (93%) indicated the £500 received by social work students for travel costs associated with practice placements is insufficient. BASW NI & SWU are calling for the travel allowance to be doubled.

Alarmingly, three-quarters (73%) of social work students are unable to make ends meet or are struggling to do so, and the consequences for wellbeing are stark. Four in ten (41%) indicated the increased cost of living has had a significant negative impact on their mental health and 37% stated it has had a moderate negative impact.

Speaking about her experience of studying while receiving support from the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme, Josephine Dowell, a final year social work student at Ulster University, said: “As social work students my colleagues and I are passionate about supporting people to overcome the social problems they face, many of which are rooted in or exacerbated by poverty. However, juggling our academic work and practice placements with part time jobs in order to make ends meet, leaves many students burned out. It’s vital that we are able to focus on our studies, complete our training, and enter the workforce ready to make a positive difference. 

“It’s unfortunate that so many of us are facing financial hardship and don’t feel adequately supported by the Department of Health. Students are acutely aware of the need for an increase in the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme, a point this report so clearly demonstrates.”

Over half of the student social workers who took part in the research have caring responsibilities. Worryingly, this is the group that is suffering most acutely. More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents with caring responsibilities are cutting back on energy use, and two-thirds (65%) have resorted to using more credit or are going into debt.

The situation is so severe that almost a quarter of all social work students (23%) are considering leaving their studies because of the financial pressures they are facing. Carers and older students are among those most at risk of leaving.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Orlaith McGibbon, Chair of BASW NI said: “Social work is experiencing a staffing crisis. The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care published last June highlighted vacancy and absence levels in Family Intervention teams of between 26%, and 41% and vacancy rates in Gateway teams of up to 86%. Our student social work colleagues are the future of our profession and it is deeply worrying that they are facing hardship as they train to support others.

“We urgently need more social workers and the survey finding that almost a quarter of all social work students are considering leaving their studies because of financial pressures must be addressed.”

Discussing the research findings, John McGowan, General Secretary of SWU said: “The £4,000 Student Incentive Scheme annual payment has been in place, unchanged, for over a decade and a half. This is despite inflated costs of living and the impact of austerity. However, in recent years, student nurses and allied health professionals have seen increased support. This represents a lack of parity between student social workers and their healthcare colleagues.

“BASW and SWU have already supported Welsh students in their successful campaign to have the Welsh Government increase funding for student support by 50% and helped Scottish students win a review of finance for social work students. The time is right for an increase in funding for Northern Ireland students.” 

Contact:

Andy McClenaghan, BASW NI Public Affairs, Policy and Communications Lead

07702 517560 / a.mcclenaghan@basw.co.uk

Notes to editors:

  • Josephine Dowell and Noeleen Higgins, BASW NI Professional Officer and project lead for the Campaign to increase the Social Work Student Incentive Scheme research, are available for interview.
  • The findings are based on the results of an online survey which ran from 25 January to 19 February 2024 and was open to all social work students in Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University on both the three-year undergraduate and two-year relevant graduate route courses. 302 eligible responses from students attending QUB and UU were submitted and analysed.