BASW & SWU pay tribute to Angi Naylor
Angi Naylor joined the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) as a student member in 1980 and was a member of the SWU Executive Committee from when the union was formed in 2011 until her retirement last year.
Angi was especially proud of her 10 years of work with the BASW Special Interest Group on Ageing (SIGA), including two terms as SIGA Chair, and the Austerity Action Group (AAG) of which she was Chair from its inception until her retirement in 2024. Angi received the BASW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and has been honoured by SWU for her contributions to the union and years of hard work and determination to challenge social injustice and inequality.
Angi was always a woman of action and over the past few decades could be seen marching at protests, in solidarity, and at Pride with her wife Maureen – often with her trusty guitar. Famously, Angi set off with a group of social workers and supporters on the Boot Out Austerity march from Birmingham to Liverpool in 2017. Over a hundred people joined along the way during this seven-day, 100 mile walk to draw attention to the devastating impact of almost a decade of austerity. Upon her retirement, SWU presented Angi with a Harry Venning original drawing of her marching alongside Clare from Clare in the Community.
BASW UK Chair, Julia Ross, said:
“It is with great sadness to learn about the passing of Angi Naylor. Angi was a longstanding BASW and SWU member whose unwavering dedication in campaigning against austerity and poverty was matched only by her commitment in supporting her fellow social workers. A wise woman who led with intelligence and compassion, Angi was a welcome sight at BASW/SWU events, while her thoughtful contributions in debates clearly showed her decades of experience of social work, as well as the lives of people who use social services.
Many staff members at BASW called upon Angi for her deep knowledge of social services and how it has changed over the years. Many more will remember her colourful side, that one that proudly wore a BASW/SWU blue anti-austerity t-shirt while strumming a new politically influenced ditty on her guitar. Angi will be sorely missed by everyone at BASW, SWU and the wider social work community.”
SWU General Secretary, John McGowan added:
“I first came across Angi when I joined the SWU Executive when the union formed just after 2011. At that time, I was going ‘Who is this person?’ You could really feel her energy. Angi was a great mentor for me over the years and as a mentor really built up my skills. She has acted as Austerity Action Group Chair and SWU Vice Chair and brought her experience of being active in so many of our campaigns. I was so pleased to see Angi recognised last year with a Lifetime achievement award from BASW. This meant so much to her.
“Angi, was such a great person to have as a friend and support at SWU. Angi was always gracious with her time and would was a natural at making people feel relaxed and was such an entertainer. The legend, friend, and fellow activist – you will be deeply missed. Your contribution will remain enshrined in our history.”
Angi was a great supporter of the musician led “We Shall Overcome” movement that has held over a thousand events nationwide fighting austerity and raising help for those suffering most in our communities.
She also felt passionately about addressing the growing divide of digital poverty and fairly remunerating those with lived experience for their time and expertise.
Allison Hulmes, Wales Representative on the SWU Executive Committee and close friend of Angi’s, wrote this poem to honour her
To Angi
From Yorkshire’s steadfast ground
your courage was forged,
like iron shaped by struggle,
like coal carved from the deep.
A social worker, true union stalwart, you stood where others faltered, voice unshaken,
feet marching a hundred days
against the cold cruelty of austerity.
You carried our union banner, gathered stories, the untold, the unheard, woven into your songs,
lifted into the streets, so justice could not be ignored.
Activist, campaigner, friend to many, you remind us that solidarity is not a word but a way of living,
and that human rights are not granted, they are walked for, sung for, fought for.
Angi Naylor inspiration,
your courage is a lantern we follow, your laughter, a shelter we share.
In every step we take together, your flame still leads our way
“I’m gonna sing you a song…”
