This purpose is to be achieved through such means as the following:

• Holding an annual meeting of members
• Providing a UK-wide forum for Professors of Social Work
• Advising institutions engaged in social work education and research
• Representing the interests and development of social work to governments, the media, and relevant national and international bodies
• Initiating and supporting the continued development of social work research
• Enhancing the impact of social work research through the collection and dissemination of relevant information

Membership

Membership of APSW is open to Professors engaged in social work research and social work education.

Members pay an annual fee, as determined at the annual meeting, which is due in April each year.

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting is open to all members and serves as the Association’s main decision-making forum.

At the annual meeting, members:

• Receive reports from the Co-Chairs and Treasurer
• Review and approve past and current activities
• Recommend priorities for future work
• Elect members of the Executive Committee

Elections may take place at the annual meeting or via postal or electronic ballot.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is the governing body of APSW. It is responsible for the development, direction, and ongoing work of the Association, as well as the management of its affairs.

The Committee comprises:

• Co-Chairs
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• At least two additional members

Members of the Executive Committee are elected for a term of three years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. Members are eligible for re-election after a period of three years out of office.

Duties

Co-Chairs
The Co-Chairs act as the official representatives of the Association. They preside over meetings, provide leadership in the direction of APSW’s work, and ensure the Constitution is upheld. They are responsible for signing and executing contracts and other official instruments on behalf of the Association.

Where possible, decisions are made jointly by the Co-Chairs. If one Co-Chair is unavailable, the other may act independently.

Secretary
The Secretary supports the effective administration of the Association and the work of the Executive Committee.

Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the Association, provides advice to the Executive Committee on financial matters, and presents an annual financial report to members.

The Executive Committee is empowered to act on behalf of the membership.

Financing

The activities of APSW are financed through membership fees and are managed in line with an agreed annual budget.

• Membership is maintained through the annual payment of fees set by the Executive Committee
• Membership may lapse if fees are not paid within the agreed timeframe
• The Co-Chairs and Treasurer may approve necessary expenditure in line with the agreed budget
• The financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March
• Finances are administered through Metro Bank, with both Co-Chairs acting as signatories
• The Executive Committee and/or annual meeting approves the budget each year

Last updated: March 2026.