Social work community pays tribute to campaigner and activist Angi Naylor

The social work community is remembering inspirational social worker, campaigner and folk singer Angi Naylor.

Angi was a founding member of the Social Workers Union (SWU) Executive Committee following the union’s creation in 2011, as well as a lifelong member of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), most recently holding the role of SWU Vice Chair.

In 2017, Angi became Chair of the Austerity Action Group (AAG), formed out of the historic Boot Out Austerity march from Birmingham to Liverpool. The 100-mile, seven-day walk highlighted the impact of austerity on communities, and Angi’s leadership helped sustain the group’s campaigning presence in the years that followed.

Angi’s original songs elevated the campaign’s consciousness and provided the soundtrack for the group’s efforts. Listen to ‘The Social Workers Chant - Boot out Austerity’: https://youtu.be/oc4V74NwUIg

Angi was also a strong supporter of the We Shall Overcome movement, a musician-led effort that has organised thousands of events to fight austerity and provide support to those most affected.

Her commitment to tackling inequality extended to championing fair pay for those with lived experience and drawing attention to issues such as digital poverty.

Angi’s activism and service were recognised in 2024 when she was awarded the BASW Lifetime Achievement Award — only the third person to receive the honour in recent years. In presenting the award, then-BASW CEO Ruth Allen praised her as “compassion in action” and a “straight-talking social work poet in song,” while colleagues reflected on her kindness, encouragement and unwavering support for social workers and the profession.

Following her passing, tributes poured in from across the social work community.

Fran Fuller, former BASW Chair and SWU’s first President, reflects back on 2011 and the creation of the union as part of the association’s duty to protect members.

“Angi was there alongside myself as the first chair and president of SWU. She was a great support during my tenure as UK Chair. Her fight for social justice and equality was evident in everything she did – the social work profession has lost one of the best agitators for people’s rights, she will be missed by so many.”

Kellie Doubtfire, Publisher of Social Work Today and Event Director of COMPASS, which worked with Angi over the years reflected fondly on her companionship and her music.

"Angi would always bring her guitar to the COMPASS events and lift everyone's spirits by leading us in song.

I personally remember her encouragement, kindness and her persistence to challenge issues that affected those whose voices were so often disregarded."

John McGowan, current SWU General Secretary, described Angi as a mentor and a friend, recalling her energy and generosity:
“Angi was such a great person to have as a friend and support at SWU. Angi was always gracious with her time and was a natural at making people feel relaxed and was such an entertainer. The legend, friend, and fellow activist – you will be deeply missed. Your contribution will remain enshrined in our history.”

Julia Ross, current BASW UK Chair, said: “Angi was a longstanding BASW and SWU member whose unwavering dedication in campaigning against austerity and poverty was matched only by her commitment in supporting her fellow social workers.”

Beyond her campaigning, Angi was also known for bringing music and protest together. With her guitar in hand, she was a familiar presence at demonstrations, Pride marches and union gatherings, often lifting spirits with politically charged songs.