=== === \\\ SAVE THE DATE /// === === Resilient Diaspora Social Workers: Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Environment

Ruth Allen, BASW CEO

Julia Ross, BASW Chair

Vava Tampa, Chair of BASW England National Standing Committee

Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults and Mental Health Social Work

Janet Daby, MP Lewisham East  - recorded presentation

Workshops

1. Uche Odunze (international MSc Social Work Student - https://www.chi.ac.uk/news/international-student-co-creates-guide-to-studying-at-chichester-from-coping-with-the-weather-to-finding-favourite-foods/ Connecting international social work students workshop 
2. Priya David (Workshop) leadership
3. Yohai Hakak (Workshop) migrant social workers 
4. Echo Yeung + a student (resource for practice educators, supporting students from BME backgrounds)
5. Daisy D'Silva Toscano (Brunei University) Study on global majority social work students

BASW DIASPORA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Call for Nominations: Diaspora Social Worker of the Year Award

Do you know an outstanding diaspora social worker who has contributed within our local community or with individuals? We are excited to announce the BASW Diaspora Social Worker of the Year Award, celebrating the invaluable contributions of diaspora social workers in Local Authorities.

This prestigious award recognises the dedication, compassion, and innovative approaches of social workers who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift our community. We invite you to nominate a social worker who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment.

There will be different categories that you can nominate for: 

• Diaspora ASYE / NQSW of the Year 
• Diaspora Social Worker of the Year 
• Diaspora Senior Social Worker of the Year
• Diaspora Manager of the Year 
• Diaspora Social Work Student of the Year 
• Diaspora Practice Educator of the Year

The recognitions will be handed out at the second BASW Diaspora Social Work Conference, themed “Resilient Diaspora Social Workers: Surviving and thriving in challenging environment” on Thursday 10th July 2025. 

Nomination Criteria:

• Must be a diaspora social worker / NQSW / ASYE / Practice Educator/ Manager.
• Demonstrates outstanding dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families.
• Shows innovative and effective approaches to Social Work.
• Has made a significant positive impact on the community.

How to Nominate:

• Complete the nomination form [insert link to form].
• Provide a description of the nominee's contributions and achievements.
• Submit your nomination by 30th March 2025.

Let's come together to honour and celebrate the heroes among us who work tirelessly to make our community a better place. Nominate a diaspora social worker today!

Return forms to policyadmin@basw.co.uk 

For more information, please contact diaspora@baswnetwork.co.uk

Ruth Allen has spent the past eight years as chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), providing leadership and representation to members from all parts of the profession.

But before that, her focus was squarely on mental health social work.

Having practised in mental health settings after qualifying in the 1990s, she went on to become director of social work in two NHS Trusts.

Then, in 2012, she became chair of the mental health faculty at The College of Social Work, the body set up to provide leadership for the profession, which closed in 2015 after the government withdrew funding and it was unable to sustain itself.

Most recently, she was elected president of the International Federation of Social Workers Europe, the regional division of the profession’s global body.

Speaking to Community Care, Allen reflected on the evolution of mental health practice within social work, the lack of shared knowledge across services and BASW’s impact under her leadership. 

[Community Care 27 06 24]

Julia Ross joined BASW National Council in December 2019. She is passionate about people who use services, their family, friends and carers. She has worked in health and social care for over 40 years and been a proud BASW member since qualifying. Julia has a wealth of national and local experience across large scale complex health and social care organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector. She qualified as nurse at St Thomas Hospital and then requalified as a social worker, initially in children and families work and child protection. She served as Social Work Advisor to the Select Committee on Violence in the Family in 1975. She spent 10 years as Director of Social services and 3 years as CE of an integrated PCT. She is very interested in how people benefit from integrated health and social care services. Julia chaired the Mental Health Charity Together for 9 years. She led the Care Services Improvement Programme in the DH for 5 years and latterly PredictX, a data and predictive analytics company. She serves on the Royal Society of Medicine DigiHealth Council, Acute Frailty Network, ADASS committees and Non Executive Director Isle of Wight NHS Trust where she spends any spare time writing.

I became a social worker to help ensure that everyone is included in society. I have worked in community and hospital services for adults, and more recently for Research in Practice for Adults. I now work for myself, helping organisations to improve social care. I particularly care about support for practitioners, using evidence, social work with older people and combatting ageism. I co-host the Helpful Social Work podcast.

I live in Devon with my partner and our cat. I enjoy cycling, playing the piano and watching movies.

Sarah McClinton beagn her role as Chief Social Worker in January 2025.

As Chief Social Worker, Sarah will be the head of profession, the public face of adult social work in England and a senior leader within the Department. Sarah will work with colleagues across DHSC, including Ministers, to provide expert advice on all matters relating to social workers and social care practice. She will offer a frontline perspective on issues to inform policymaking and will maintain her already established strong links with the adult social care sector.

Sarah is currently in post as deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health and Adult Services in the London Borough of Greenwich. She is also the Place Executive Director on the  Southeast London Integrated Care Board, an integrated role which sits across the local authority and health system.  She was previously President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and has worked in DHSC as Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Dementia.

Speaking of her appointment, Sarah said:

“I am delighted to be appointed to this important role towards the beginning of a new government and look forward to working closely with colleagues both inside and outside the Department”.

[Social Work with Adults Blog - Gov.uk website]