UNISON is the largest union in the UK and the biggest representing social workers, with over 40,000 members in the sector.
We negotiate nationally, regionally and locally to improve pay, terms and conditions and job security for all social workers. UNISON representatives help to ensure a safe working environment.
We campaign to improve employer standards and provides training and briefings on a range of professional topics and skills.
Our Social Work Manifesto
UNISON’s social work manifesto explains both how we see the profession now and how we see it evolving in the years ahead including:
- Improve social worker working conditions
- Promote a positive image of social work and social workers
- Invest in social worker development
- End austerity and rebuild public services
- End privatisation of health and social care
Standing up for Social Workers
Social workers play a crucial role in supporting the most vulnerable. Hear from UNISON members Angela, Evelyn and Istvan on the importance of social work and how we support the profession.
Campaigning
We campaign nationally on behalf of members and the sector to protect and improve social workers’ pay, terms and conditions and job security.
The Standards for Social Workers Employers
These standards set out core expectations of employers which enable employees to work effectively and safely and applies to all settings social workers are employed in. The Standards are currently only voluntary but UNISON is campaigning to get all employers to sign up.
Safe Haven
Social workers are on the frontline of the government’s attempt to create a hostile environment for asylum seekers and refugees.
Social workers are rejecting this role and standing up for ethical practice. UNISON is determined to support our members and help them in their work and have produced guides to support workers in promoting the interests of refugee and migrant children and their families.
The updated UNISON guide for social workers in England was published in May 2024 – see the revised Guide in our resources section below.
Resources
UNISON Social Worker Digital Guide
We have produced a new practical interactive digital guide in collaboration with Community Care, to support social workers in maintaining their health and wellbeing at work.
Learning for Social Workers
UNISON Social Work members get access to a huge range of learning opportunities, to help you deepen your understanding of the issues you encounter in your working life. With hundreds of courses available to UNISON members, our Skills Academy offers a great opportunity to learn what you like, at your own pace.
Student Members
Studying and training to be a social worker is exciting but can be stressful and challenging at times. Our branches and networks are always available to support you if you need help.
Join as a student member for only £10 a year to access to the many benefits of UNISON membership.
Social Worker of the Year Awards

Social Worker of the Year Awards 2024 (England only)
Now in their 18th year, these awards are about recognising outstanding social work practice and celebrating the positive impact of the profession. UNISON sponsored the Team of the Year Adult Services award which was won by Reconnect – Care After Custody Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. The runners up were St Richard’s Hospice Specialist Palliative Care Social Work Team. Pictured are the winners receiving their award
Social Workers in England – renew your professional registration by 30 November
Social workers in England who want to continue practising must renew their registration with Social Work England by 30 November. This means there is just over one week left to apply to renew your registration and record CPD to avoid any lapses in your registration and payment of restoration fees. Log into your Social Work England online account and apply to renew now.
You are advised to log in well ahead of the deadline to avoid a last-minute rush, or the possibility of being removed from the register after 30 November and payment of a restoration fee.
You will need to:
- submit your registration renewal application form
- pay your registration fee
- record a minimum of 2 different pieces of continuing professional development (CPD). They must include a peer reflection with at least one of these pieces of CPD
The above actions must be completed by 11:59pm (UK time) on 30 November 2024.