BASW Northern Ireland

10/07/2026

Stormont's failure to implement an “arms-length body” (ALB) to run children’s services, a key recommendation in the Independent Review of Children's Social Care, is deeply disappointing.

Without clear leadership, accountability and investment, children’s social care risks remaining marginalised, leaving social workers carrying the pressure of a system that is already under immense strain.

The focus must now be on urgent, meaningful reform that supports practitioners and delivers better outcomes for children and families.

Read more 🔽

Professor Ray Jones speaks out after ministers reject recommendation to create new body to run services due to costs

25/06/2026

✍ NEW BLOG: Beyond the NI Race Riots: A Student Social Worker’s Call for Solidarity.

BASW Student Ambassador at Queen's Belfast University, Shannon McClenaghan shares a reflective and poignant article on how social workers can challenge racism and ethnoreligious hatred in our communities.

Read here 🔗 https://basw.co.uk/articles/beyond-ni-race-riots-student-social-workers-call-solidarity

19/06/2026

BASW Northern Ireland is deeply shocked and saddened by the harrowing findings of the report into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim.

Our thoughts are first with the people who were abused, neglected and failed, and with their families and carers who fought bravely to have their voices heard.

We're calling for the Inquiry’s recommendations to be accepted and implemented without delay, with clear timescales, public accountability and independent oversight. Experts by experience, families and carers must be central to this work.

Read our full statement 🔽

BASW NI is deeply shocked and saddened by the harrowing findings of the report into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim.

11/06/2026

BASW Northern Ireland strongly condemns the appalling acts of violence, disorder and racism that have threatened communities in Belfast and other parts of the UK this week. Our thoughts are with all victims who have been injured.

Social workers who have been affected and require further support can contact our Professional Support Service.

Meantime, please read our full statement below 🔽

https://basw.co.uk/articles/basw-statement-response-rioting-disorder-uk

07/01/2026

Given the sensitive nature of social work, practitioners must take proactive steps to protect their digital footprint. 📲

This guidance from BASW Northern Ireland and The Social Workers Union outlines practical measures to reduce risk and ensure personal and professional safety online.

BASW NI members can access the resource on the link below 👇

https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/reducing-risk-doxxing

05/01/2026

✨ Wishing all our members, friends and partners across social work and beyond a very happy new year!

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the work of BASW Northern Ireland over the past 12 months and for your extraordinary support. We look forward to connecting with you again in 2026.