Group launched for social workers in voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors

The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) sector has a claim to being one of the original English contexts in which our profession evolved. 

It was the work of the Charity Organisation Society in the late 19th century that developed the role of ‘case worker’, the principle of the ‘organised district’ (the forerunner of social services departments) and with the National Union of Women Workers developed the first training courses (Younghusband 1981). 

A hundred years later and community-based social work is enjoying a resurgence, although the context is very different. Since the 1990s large national charities such as Mind and Age UK have been granted local authority, and NHS contracts to provide services. 

Other small to mid-sized charities have also played a significant role in delivering government funded contracts, as well as filling the ever-increasing gaps in support for children and families, as well as adults. 

More recently, a new vision of adult social care is emerging in which support is “local, community-based and relational” (Dixon & Jopling 2023). A host of social enterprises, issue-based community projects and sustainability initiatives are now joining the more established charities as significant employers of social workers. 

At a global level, community social work principles and practices continue to contribute to international human rights, crisis relief and development work.

Despite the large and possibly growing number and diversity of roles for social workers outside of the statutory sector, there is often a misconception that this is not ‘real social work’. BASW members frequently describe a range of barriers and difficulties when working in the VSCE: limited access to professional supervision, professional standards that do not reflect the work they do, poor recognition of their skills and capabilities among statutory sector colleagues, feelings of isolation due to being the only social worker in the organisation to name but a few.  

Many organisations in the VSCE sector are under increasing pressure to deliver more for less. As the government constricts funding, there is more competition for grants and smaller numbers of donors. This hugely affects social workers and their capacity to provide effective services.

While the needs and concerns of social workers in the VSCE sector overlap with our colleagues in statutory settings, there are also important differences. 

It is against this background that BASW England has launched a new Thematic Group for Social Work in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sectors.

Like the other thematic groups, it will consist of members working together to influence UK policy and share knowledge and expertise. Applications are open to all BASW members with current or prior experience in the sector. We have taken on the role of chairing the group on an interim basis until the membership has stabilised to the point where a vote is possible.

The aim of the thematic group will be to listen to the issues faced by social workers in our sector as well as identifying new opportunities for growth, influence and development. We will be able to highlight these matters both within BASW through representation on the BASW England Committee, and more widely. 

In some cases, we will be able to address these directly. For example, we plan to host a peer network for people to air concerns, share good practice and provide mutual support. 

To join our mailing list to keep up with the group, or to highlight a particular issue or opportunity for discussion, please contact Andrew Reece, professional officer with BASW England who supports the group via andrew.reece@basw.co.uk . 

To find out more and see details of the VCSW Social Worker support forum meetings please visit our webpage.