Celebrating Five Years of BASW Coaching Service

Since launching in July 2020, over 2,000 social workers across the UK have accessed the peer-to-peer coaching service, benefitting from free, confidential coaching.

Independent research has highlighted seven key areas where social workers seek guidance: managing stress and workload, workplace challenges including bullying and harassment, navigating regulatory processes, supervision gaps, student support, managing organisational change, and career transitions.

"Coaching becomes a circuit breaker – a pause in the relentless pace of practice that allows space for reflection and fresh thinking," explains volunteer coach Lynne Peyton, highlighting how the service helps practitioners reconnect with their professional purpose.

All our coaches are experienced social workers who understand the sector's unique demands. The service has secured sustained funding in Wales and Scotland and is available free to BASW members in England and all social workers in other UK nations.

The anniversary comes as the social work profession faces ongoing workforce pressures, with the coaching service providing vital support for practitioners at all career stages – from students transitioning to qualified practice to senior managers facing organisational upheaval. 

Let's Talk Social Work podcast recently discussed the benefits and opportunities of coaching, exploring what it is, the support it can provide, and how to get involved. The full episode is available here.

For more information or to access coaching support, visit www.basw-pss.co.uk