Priscilla Kurewa, a former Zimbabwean social work lecturer, has been elected chair of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK's largest professional membership organisation for social work. She won 50.4 percent of the vote in a three-way contest against academic Fran Fuller and senior director Cath Gormally. Kurewa formally succeeded Julia Ross following the BASW annual general meeting on September 3, 2026.
Kurewa has more than 25 years of experience in social work, qualifying and working as a social worker before becoming a lecturer in Zimbabwe. She moved to the UK in 2003 and established a career in child protection and safeguarding, rising through frontline and management positions to become a head of service and assistant director in children's social care. Her senior leadership experience includes roles at several English local authorities.
As BASW chair, Kurewa wants to reconnect the organisation's leadership with frontline practitioners and ensure members can see the practical value of their professional body. She pledged to make BASW "unmistakably member-led" while campaigning on workloads, working conditions, inequality, human rights, and the welfare of social workers. Kurewa's goal is to make social workers feel that their professional body understands their reality.
Kurewa is also chair of the Social Workers' Benevolent Trust, an independent charity that provides financial assistance to social workers experiencing hardship. She said the role had exposed her to the financial pressures experienced by some members of the profession. Kurewa wants to address the wellbeing of social workers, recognising that they can be going through financial hardship.
The election of Kurewa as BASW chair is a significant achievement for Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora. BASW represents more than 22,000 members across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Kurewa was elected alongside Patriche Bentick, who became a BASW elected director, and Carlene Cornish, who was chosen to chair the association's international committee.
BASW interim chief executive Samantha Baron described the election of three experienced Black women to senior positions as an important moment for the organisation. Outgoing chair Julia Ross said she was confident Kurewa would bring "energy, vigour and creativity" to the position. Kurewa's election marks a milestone in her career, 23 years after leaving Zimbabwe.
Kurewa's experience and leadership skills make her well-suited to lead BASW. Her vision for the organisation prioritises the needs of frontline practitioners and aims to promote the welfare of social workers. As chair, Kurewa will oversee changes to BASW and work to ensure that members feel valued and supported.
Key points
- Priscilla Kurewa, a Zimbabwean-born social work leader, has been elected chair of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).
- Kurewa won 50.4 percent of the vote in a three-way contest to lead BASW, which represents over 22,000 members across the UK.
- Kurewa aims to make BASW "unmistakably member-led" and prioritise the needs of frontline practitioners.
