A New Voice for London Social Workers: Why Now Matters

In this blog, London branch co-chairs Janet Ayoola and Nadine Boyne share why the relaunch of the branch is more important than ever.

High caseloads, chronic vacancies, escalating complexity, moral distress, and the erosion of time for reflective, relationship-based practice are no longer isolated issues, they are everyday realities for too many of us.

That is why we are pleased to share the re-launch of the BASW London Branch, and to invite London-based social workers to get involved at a moment when our collective voice is more important than ever.

The creation of the branch reflects a growing recognition that social workers in London face distinct pressures that require coordinated, visible and collective responses. From the cost-of-living crisis and workforce instability to widening inequality and increasing demand, the context we are practising in demands action – not just resilience.

A key priority for the branch is shining a light on working conditions in London. To do that credibly, we need evidence. We strongly encourage all London social workers to complete the BASW London Working Conditions Survey. Whether you work in children’s services, adults’ services, mental health, safeguarding, the voluntary sector or independent practice – your experience matters.

This survey is not a tick-box exercise. It is a tool for influence. The findings will help to:

  • Build a clear picture of workload pressures, wellbeing and workforce sustainability
  • Strengthen collective bargaining and advocacy
  • Inform future campaigning, policy engagement and local action
  • Support collaboration between trade unions and professional bodies

The stronger the response rate, the harder it becomes for decision-makers to ignore what social workers are telling them.

We are also keen to work collaboratively with the SWU Campaign Fund, particularly where evidence from London can support targeted campaigning around safe caseloads, retention and ethical working conditions. There is real potential for BASW London Branch members and SWU members to align our efforts and maximise impact.

To take this work forward, the BASW London Branch is hosting an event on 24th March, and all London social workers are warmly invited to attend. The event will include:

  • Initial findings from the BASW London Working Conditions Survey, exploring what the data is telling us and what needs to happen next
  • Guest speakers Adi Cooper and Nana Yabbey-Hagan with experience across adult and children’s services, reflecting on the current challenges facing social work with children in London
  • Space for discussion, connection and collective problem-solving

This event is about more than sharing information. It is about building momentum, solidarity and practical routes to change. Click here to register now.

If you are a London-based SWU member, we would especially encourage you to join the BASW London Branch Committee. We meet every month. Branch involvement offers a meaningful way to shape priorities, influence campaigns and ensure that the realities of frontline practice are reflected in advocacy and action.

Social workers are often told to adapt, cope and carry on. But lasting change has never come from silence or isolation. It comes when we organise, gather evidence and speak together.

Complete the survey. Come to the event. Join the branch.
 

London social workers deserve working conditions that make good practice possible – and together, we can push for them.

To find out more about the London Branch please e-mail us at london.branch@basw.co.uk 

About the authors

Janet Ayoola is a social worker, Co-Chair of the BASW London Branch, and host of The Social Work Pivot Podcast.

Nadine Boyne is a social worker and Co-Chair of the BASW London Branch. She is the author of Social Work is Not Self-Harm: Make the SAVI Shift to Unlock Your Power, Purpose and Joy.