BASW Chief Executive Dr Ruth Allen steps down after decade of leadership

Dr Allen, a long-standing BASW member and prominent figure in both UK and international social work, has led the organisation since 2016. Under her leadership, BASW has strengthened its voice on issues affecting social workers, championed professional development, and advocated for improved working conditions across the sector.

While stepping down as CEO, Dr Allen will continue to support BASW in an honorary advisory position for the next two years, guiding the organisation on international matters.

BASW UK Chair Julia Ross paid tribute to Dr Allen’s “outstanding service and dedication” to the profession: “We would like to give our sincerest thanks to Ruth for steering BASW over the last ten years.

“As Chair, I’ve worked alongside her for three of those years and have seen how passionate she is about social work and social workers, championing them at every opportunity. We wish her well in the future.”

Ross said that BASW UK would begin a “thorough process to find a successor” but did not give a timescale, saying only that the process would happen soon.

In the interim, Professor Sam Baron, currently BASW Cymru National Director, will step in as acting CEO while the organisation begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.

Alongside her role at BASW, Dr Allen has made significant contributions to the global profession, recently being elected European President of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). She has said that she will now focus more fully on shaping international social work policy and collaboration.

Looking ahead, BASW said it plans to continue driving forward its five-year strategy, focused on growing the organisation, sustaining the profession, and campaigning for urgent improvements in working conditions for social workers.