BASW wants to hear from social workers suffering burnout

Are you or a colleague considering leaving social work? Do you know someone who already has?

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is looking for social workers who have left, or are considering leaving, the profession because of working conditions, burnout or unmanageable caseloads to share their stories.

A spokesman for the association said they want to hear from people who work or have worked in any area of the practice. And said their reasons for leaving can be anything from a career change or deciding to take early retirement.

The spokesman said BASW is lobbying to set up a cross-party group on social work at the Scottish Parliament, to discuss these issues with stakeholders across the sector and influence change.

This comes following a survey conducted by BASW and the Social Workers Union in partnership with Bath Spa University that found that social workers are strongly engaged in their work and want the very best outcomes for people that use services, but are hampered by poor working conditions and a lack of resources.

The research found that, compared to the UK average, working conditions were worse than 90%-95% of other employees in both public and private sector occupations, while nearly half of all social workers said they were dissatisfied in their jobs. 60% said they were looking to leave their current job within the next 15 months compared to 52% last year, while nearly 40% of respondents said they were looking to leave the profession entirely. The main stressors were found to be high case and administrative loads, as well as a lack of resources for service users.

A spokesman for the association said having these stories will help to make a stronger case for setting the group up and could help current practitioners, service users, and those looking to join the profession in the future.

Anyone who would like to share their experiences should email emily.galloway@basw.co.uk.

BASW is the UK’s professional membership organisation for social work and acts as an independent voice of social work. It champion social work and aims to help members achieve the highest professional standards. And is campaigning for improved professional working conditions, relationship-based practice and for an end to austerity and poverty.

The Council is supported by a Finance & Organisational Development Committee, a Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee, International Committee and National Standing Committees in each country of the UK.

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