Social Work Education Committee (SWEC)
The Social Work Education Committee (SWEC) represents higher education institutions to government departments and other organisations across the four nations of the United Kingdom. It represents UK Schools of Social Work on the international scene. The committee is consulted routinely by other stakeholders, such as regulatory and research councils, government departments, and sector skills councils, on issues surrounding social work education. Members have contributed to the development of the social work degree and the post qualifying framework, to the recognition and growing standing of social work research, and to the evolution and governance of social work education, research and practice through the four Care Councils in the United Kingdom, the Social Care Institute for Excellence, the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education, and other representative bodies.
SWEC provides an important forum for profile raising, information sharing, advocacy and strategic planning for social work practice and education. It has made significant contributions to the review of social work in England (Options for Excellence) and Scotland (21st Century Review). Its current chair is Hilary Tompsett and Vice-Chair is Jonathan Parker.
SWEC is organised into three sub-committees reflecting its special activities and interests:
Research Sub-Committee
The Research Sub-Committee works closely with the ESRC, the Social Care Institute for Excellence and the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education. It has led on the development of a strategy for the development of research in social work education and on the recognition of social work as a research discipline by the ESRC. It has monitored performance in Research Assessment Exercises and has sought to improve access to research funding. Its current chair is Margaret Holloway.
- You can read the JUC-SWEC Research Sub-Commitee's response to the REF Consultation here.
Learning and Teaching Sub-Committee
The Learning and Teaching Sub-Committee works closely with government departments, sector skills councils, the social work subject centre (SWAP), and the four Care Councils. It has made major contributions to the development of the social work degree and the post qualifying framework, and to supporting the work of external examiners. The current chair is Jane McLenachan.
International Sub-Committee
The International Sub-Committee works closely with the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). It keeps the UK informed of international trends and priorities in the profession. It organises seminars and workshops on international social work. The current chair is Brian Littlechild (University of Hertfordshire).
