BASW members vote to condemn leadership in controversial AGM motion

Members of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) have voted to censure the association’s Chair Julia Ross (pictured, left) and Directors and called for a full review of its communication, governance and support processes, following months of concern over the organisation’s finances and direction.

The motion, brought forward by BASW’s Black Country Branch at last night’s (Thursday 3 September) AGM, was passed by 40 votes to 14, with no abstentions. It accused the Chair and Directors of failing to provide members with “adequate information, advice, consultation and meaningful dialogue” during a period of significant financial and organisational upheaval.

The motion said members had been informed in September 2025 of an approximate £500,000 shortfall, additional voluntary redundancy costs of £400,000 and significant staffing restructuring that reduced support across the UK nations. It also noted that several directors had resigned during the period.

It said that, despite repeated requests for open dialogue involving the wider membership, only partial information had been provided through a letter to branches and an open meeting that did not allow debate of the issues. A requested extraordinary general meeting (EGM) did not take place.

The motion concluded that members had “felt disrespectfully treated” and that BASW’s communication and governance had fallen short of what should be expected of a membership-led organisation.

Andrew Mercer, who proposed the motion, told the AGM that members had repeatedly sought greater clarity from BASW’s leadership.

“It is disappointing that we must bring this motion of censure today.
The fact sheet issued does not reflect the seriousness of members’ concerns, the repeated pressure for clarity, or the partial explanations eventually provided. It highlights how far standards of accountability in a membership led organisation have fallen.”

Mercer argued that directors had responsibilities to members as well as to the organisation.

“Members shouldn’t have to demand information. Directors should treat members as partners, providing transparent, proactive communication — not the obfuscation and denial many experienced.”

The motion referred to Council and committee minutes not being published for two years, which it said had left members unaware of major financial challenges and deficits until after urgent action had been taken.

“The 2025 AGM informed members that finances were strong despite Council already recognising a shortfall. The CEO’s resignation, staffing reductions and disruption across the nations then occurred without warning or adequate explanation.”

The vote comes after BASW’s recently published accounts revealed an £870,048 loss for the year to September 2025, alongside a 7.8% fall in membership.

The accounts showed that BASW had 20,433 members at the end of the financial year, down from 22,164 the previous year. Membership income fell from £5.12m to £4.95m, while total turnover declined from £25.08m to £21.78m.

The organisation has also been undergoing significant structural change, including the departure of Chief Executive Dr Ruth Allen in September 2025 after almost a decade in the role and a restructuring that reduced the number of National Directors from four to two.

Against that backdrop, the Black Country Branch said the motion was not intended to apportion blame but to address concerns about BASW’s accountability to its members.

Tonia Dubidat, who seconded the motion, said members who supported BASW also had a responsibility to challenge the organisation when they believed members’ voices were being ignored.

“I am proud to second and support this motion, not because we want to damage BASW, but because we care deeply about its future.”

She said the vote should be viewed as a choice about the organisation BASW wanted to become.

“This motion is about helping BASW move forward. I particularly want to speak to those who may still be undecided. Ask yourselves what kind of organisation we want to be: one where members have a genuine voice and shape the direction of BASW, or one where decisions feel increasingly distant from the membership.”

Commenting on the motion’s passing, former Chief Executive of BASW, Ian Johnston, called for further scrutiny of how the organisation had reached its current position with a “time limited internal enquiry into how this dire situation has arisen and whether appropriate action has been taken to address the shortcomings of individual staff or members holding key responsibilities.”

"I have heard nothing to convince me that lessons have been learned and that the radical changes that are clearly required to make BASW the kind of member led and principled organisation that frontline social workers so desperately need will actually happen. Probably the findings of such an enquiry would need to be considered at an EGM to ensure that appropriate action is actually taken to address the individual and systemic failure that will have led to this situation."

BASW, however, said it had listened to the concerns expressed by members and that work was already under way to improve governance and communication.

A BASW spokesperson said: "BASW respects members putting forward the motion, and whilst disappointed that it carried with 40 member votes at the AGM, we have heard our members.

"The changes that were made in 2025 were absolutely necessary to keep BASW on a sound financial footing and the urgent nature of the situation meant we had to act quickly, sharing appropriate updates with members as and where it was possible.

"Work has already started on reviewing governance and communications – including our Big Conversation with all members, non-members and stakeholders - and we are committed to building on this and continuing to respond to all member needs."

The organisation’s response comes as BASW seeks to implement a new vision following its “Big Conversation”, which began in January and involved members, non-members and stakeholders. BASW has said the process identified priorities including modernising its services, increasing its impact and providing greater support for social work practice.

The Black Country Branch said the censure motion should ultimately be seen as an attempt to restore confidence in BASW rather than damage it.

“We welcome the outcome of this vote and thank members for engaging thoughtfully in an important discussion about BASW's future. This motion was never about apportioning blame. It was about reaffirming the values that unite us: transparency, accountability, and meaningful member involvement. We hope this marks a positive turning point, enabling BASW to move forward together as a stronger, more open, and truly member-led organisation.”

Also debated at the AGM was a motion concerning forced adoption, similarly proposed by the Black Country Branch. That motion called for BASW to issue a formal apology regarding forced adoption and was passed with 53 votes in favour, none against and six abstentions. In a statement, the branch said it is an “incredibly important issue for us as a profession to also acknowledge our accountability."

The vote represents a significant challenge to the outgoing BASW leadership as newly-elected Chair Priscilla Kurewa takes up the role. The association now faces pressure from members to demonstrate what action will follow from the AGM’s censure vote, while also addressing the financial and membership challenges set out in its recently-published accounts.