Members attending the 1976 British Association of Social Workers Conference had been lobbied over the idea of forming an independent trade union for social workers. A majority of members present and proxy votes being in favour of forming a social work trade union; The British Union of Social Workers (BUSW) was established.
BUSW merged with another trade union, based in Leeds, called the National Union of Social Workers in 1981. This led to the establishment of the present British Union of Social Work Employees.
In 1983 BUSWE gained its first Certificate of Independence from the National Certification Office for Trades Unions giving them equal status with all other recognised trade unions.
In 1985 BUSWE employed their first General Secretary (Stan Crawshaw – ex GMB Regional Secretary) on a part time basis.
In 1988 they sought affiliation to the Trade Union Congress, despite the constant blocking tactics of larger unions.
In 1990 BUSWE hit a major crisis. In seeking to recruit new membership and improve their communication, they extended financially to a situation where debts exceeded assets bankers blocked any further investment.
In 2007 negotiations were opened with Community and a transfer of arrangements was agreed.