Living and working more sustainably is an existential challenge of our times.
During BASW conference 2024 we will explore how the social work profession itself can be sustained better for the long term, and will showcase the part we play in creating thriving sustainable communities and liveable environments.
Underpinning this approach to sustainability is equality and social justice. Our societies and environment have become more unequal through unsustainable economic exploitation of people and resources. Our conference will explore how social work can use ideas of sustainability to tackle poverty, austerity and injustice in the UK and globally.
The conference welcomes diverse contributions and embraces wide interpretations of core themes. Sustainability underpins much of social work’s and social care’s current role in enabling human growth and development throughout the lifespan and ensuring access to social and human rights.
In the future, social workers will have an increasing role in enabling people to access their rights in respect of environmental safety and wellbeing and tackling inequalities from climate change and environmental risks. Social work’s systemic approach and appreciation of social ecology are a vital perspective to challenges ahead and needs to include collaboration and partnership with wider social care and other colleagues
