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Vacancies on Council and committees

BASW Council, the governing body of the Association, is currently seeking nominations for the following roles: -

We encourage members from all communities, identities and backgrounds to consider these roles, particularly those previously less well represented in BASW’s leadership.  BASW Council is committed to being more diverse and representative of our membership, sector and society. 

BASW will provide personalised support and induction to ensure these roles are accessible to eligible candidates.  All Council members can claim reasonable expenses incurred on BASW business in addition to varying other payments associated with the different roles. 

All roles start immediately after the June 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for an initial term of 2 years. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

The closing date for receipt of nominations for all vacancies is 5pm Friday 19 January 2024.

Candidates should submit electronically their completed nomination form, together with an election statement of no more than 300 words and a passport size head and shoulders colour photograph to governance@basw.co.uk 

Please ensure when applying for these vacancies that you take an early look at the website to check the criteria for nominations.

All nominations are reviewed against the set criteria by the Nominations Committee of Members.

An early discussion on any of these roles can be arranged by emailing governance@basw.co.uk.

Honorary Officer - Vice Chair

The Vice Chair of BASW works closely with the Chair and Treasurer in leading Council and with the BASW Chief Executive. They are a Director and Honorary Officer of the Association.  In addition to supporting and deputising for the Chair as needed, the Vice Chair will take on agreed additional lead responsibilities within Council. 

We are looking for someone who is committed to BASW’s Vision and ethics, knowledgeable about social work practice, and has experience of leadership and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair will receive induction and support as well as remuneration of £12,900 per annum and is expected to provide around one day per week to the Association.

The successful candidate would take up office from the conclusion of the 2024 AGM for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Candidates for election as Vice-Chair must be nominated by five full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) or by a branch committee or a National Standing Committee and candidates must have been full voting members for at least 2 continuous years prior to nomination. 

All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.

Elected Director - Chair of Policy Ethics & Human Rights (PEHR) Committee

The PEHR Committee leads on BASW’s ethical and policy positions and responses across the UK. We are looking for an experienced chair, with strong ethical and practice knowledge, who can communicate PEHR’s work to Council, members and wider social work. The Chair is an Elected Director and sits on Council.

The time commitment involves chairing at least four committee meetings and attending four Council meetings per year.

If the Chair of PEHR is employed and released to do this role in work time, their employer can be paid an ‘easement’ of up to £2340 per annum. Fully self-employed or retired persons, or a person otherwise not in receipt of an income covering time for this work can claim up to £2340 per annum in a personal capacity.

In addition, the postholder may claim payments for attending Council meetings and expenses. There may also be the opportunity to be funded to attend and be involved in a variety of professional activities on behalf of the association across the UK and further afield. 

The successful candidate would take up office from the conclusion of the 2024 AGM for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Candidates for election as Chair of PEHR Committee must have been a PEHR Committee member for a minimum of 6 months before anticipated date of appointment. Candidates must be nominated by two full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) or by a branch committee or a National Standing Committee and candidates must have been full voting members of BASW for at least 1 continuous year prior to nomination.

All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.

Elected Director - Chair of International Committee

The International Committee leads on BASW’s engagement with, learning from, and influence on global social work. We are looking for an experienced chair, with knowledge about, and passion for global social work, together with an understanding of BASW’s relationship with the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). The Chair is an Elected Director and sits on Council.

The time commitment involves chairing at least four committee meetings and attending four Council meetings per year. The candidate should be able to contribute to IFSW Europe and IFSW global activities on behalf of BASW. Occasional overseas travel may be required as part of this role.

If the Chair of the International Committee is employed and released to do this role in work time, their employer can be paid an ‘easement’ of up to £2340 per annum. Fully self-employed or retired persons or a person otherwise not in receipt of an income covering time for this work can claim up to £2340 per annum in a personal capacity. 

In addition, the postholder may claim payments for attending Council meetings and. There may also be the opportunity to be funded to attend and be involved in a variety of professional activities on behalf of the association across the UK and to participate in international activities particularly those related to IFSW.

The successful candidate would take up office from the conclusion of the 2024 AGM for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Candidates for election as Chair of International Committee must be nominated by two full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) or by a branch committee or a National Standing Committee and candidates must have been full voting members for at least 1 continuous year prior to nomination and must have been an International Committee member for a minimum of 6 months before the date of anticipated appointment. 

All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.

Elected Director

Elected Directors play a key part in setting BASW’s direction and overseeing its mission, as part of Council. They can take on other responsibilities and activities relevant to their interests and expertise and may represent BASW externally. We are looking for people committed to social work, who can represent members, and offer insight and accountability. 

The time commitment includes attendance at up to four Council meetings and two away days per year and occasional additional days on BASW business. Attendance at Council is remunerated and expenses can be claimed for other BASW activity. 

The successful candidate would take up office from the conclusion of the 2024 AGM for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.

Candidates for Elected Director must be nominated by two full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) or by a Branch Committee or a National Standing Committee and candidates must have been full voting members for at least 1 year continuously prior to nomination.

All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.