Welcome to our SWU Updates website which will be periodically updated with useful information for SWU members and Union Contacts. We value your thoughts and contributions so please keep in touch and feel free to provide feedback. Thank you.
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March 2019 – SWU has flags, tee-shirts, banners etc that we make use of when attending group activities, marches and rallies, and we will have a presence at the Anti-racism march on Saturday 16th March, gathering with the “social work bloc” at the Joy of Life Fountain, Hyde Park at 11.45am. We can arrange for small amounts of hand held banners, bags and tee-shirts to be forwarded to SWU members and SWU Union Contact activists at your home addresses to take to the march on the day. BASW/SWU are also named on a large “SWSUAA” banner which is taken to all events, and which will be at the march on 16th. We’d encourage you to march alongside and take a turn of carrying the banner if you wish (SWSUAA = Social Workers and Service Users Against Austerity).
If you are a SWU member please let us know if you’d like to receive a batch of items for the march including address details to arrange delivery.
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March 2019 – Take a look at our March Newsletter, as ever filled with interesting information about all things SWU. Please do consider submitting items for the Union Contact section which is a great opportunity to “sound off”, share thoughts – either serious or humorous, or to introduce yourself and say why you chose to get involved. Items can be kept anonymous if you prefer, but we do like to include your picture if possible as we’re very proud of our SWU Union Contacts.
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March 2019 – SWU & BASW will again be sharing a stall at the Compass Jobs Fair which is taking place on Monday 4th March in Birmingham. All details including free entry tickets can be accessed here
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February 2019 – It’s that time again when we are preparing for our next SWU Newsletter. We really value the input of our current and future Union Contacts and welcome your contributions. Items can be funny, serious, work or family related – a few short lines or a lengthier article. You can remain anonymous if you wish, or we can add your name with or without a photo… it’s up to you! The important thing is that you participate in developing and growing SWU, and one of the number of ways of doing this is to contribute to the monthly Newsletter.
Perhaps you’d like to say why you joined a union? Why become active? Why encourage membership? All valid questions that new and potential members might ask you. The deadline is Wednesday 27th February so please have a think about what you’d like to say in YOUR newsletter and submit it here.
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February 2019 – We still have LIMITED places available at our next Union Contact Induction Day which takes place on Saturday 2nd March 2019 (10.15am to 3pm) at The Premier Inn Meeting Room, Piccadilly, 72 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HR. Lunch will be provided and travel expenses will be reimbursed by SWU. (Overnight accommodation can also be arranged for those travelling extensive distances. Please confirm attendance as soon as possible.)
The meeting will include a presentation by John McGowan, General Secretary of SWU and will include activities and information relating to trade union recruitment, campaigning and activism. We are also delighted to have the support of Dr Neil Thompson who will provide a learning session at the meeting and who will also provide each participating Union Contact free access to his online support programme, and a free copy of his new book “The Social Workers Practice Manual”. Julie Long, a full-time Advice & Representation Officer, will also be discussing her role and answering any questions.
If you’re a SWU member and you’d like to attend, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide further information.
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February 2019 – Take a look at our February Newsletter, as ever filled with interesting information about all things SWU. Please do consider submitting items for the Union Contact section which is a great opportunity to “sound off”, share thoughts – either serious or humorous, or to introduce yourself and say why you chose to get involved. Items can be kept anonymous if you prefer, but we do like to include your picture if possible as we’re very proud of our SWU Union Contacts.
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February 2019 – Please take part in this brief Community Care survey relating to poor parking and hot-desking, both elements that impact on social workers’ wellbeing. Note the response from our General Secretary in the comments.
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February 2019 – Such a worthy cause. Please donate if you can:
January 2019 – The Social Workers’ Educational Trust provides grants of up to £500 to individuals who undertake post-qualifying training to improve their knowledge and skills for social work practice. Follow this link to their website.