Dr Jane Shears , chair of SPN Trustees , has been appointed as chair of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Mental Health Reference Group . Jane is also chair of Basw’s International Relations Committee.
Dr Ruth Allen, a longstanding supporter of SPN, has been appointed as Chief Executive of BASW. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has announced that Dr Ruth Allen, currently Director of Social Work at South West London and St Georges’ Mental Health NHS Trust, has accepted the role as BASW’s new Chief Executive. Ruth will start in post on 11 April Ruth will be taking on the leadership of a growing organisation. BASW, which last year launched its ‘2020 Vision’ to be the strong, independent voice for social work and social workers, now benefits from a its highest ever membership of more than 19,000 social workers across the UK.
On accepting the post, Ruth commented: “I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen as BASW’s next Chief Executive. It will be a privilege to lead the Association and be part of developing and delivering the 2020 Vision. I am looking forward to continuing to grow the Association, building on our strengths and ensuring we develop and innovate to meet the needs and expectations of current and prospective members – and of the diverse social work settings and policy contexts in which they work. My professional roots are in supporting and developing excellent, values-led social work practice. Sustaining great social work requires a strong and confident profession. I am excited about being part of taking that to its next level through BASW.”
Dr Allen’s ongoing dedication to social work practice has led her to co-chair the Practice Advisory Group to the Chief Social Worker for Adults (for the continuation of the work of the mental health and adults faculties of The College of Social Work), to chair the Social Care Strategic Network for Mental Health and to be the co-developer and facilitator for the Excellence in Social Work Leadership programme, alongside being a recognised author in social work and a practice development consultant.
Dr Allen holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, with distinction, from the University of Sussex and a Professional Doctorate in Education, also awarded by the University of Sussex. She is also actively involved in current social work research through her research fellowship with St George’s University.