Dr Ruth Allen has been Chief Executive of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) since April 2016.  In April 2024 she was also elected as President of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) – Europe Region. She represents IFSW and is an elected leader within the Council of Europe’s International NGO section (CINGO) focusing on children and young people’s rights, member empowerment and promotion of social rights.

Previously, Ruth was Director of Social Work at South West London & St Georges’ Mental Health NHS Trust in London UK, a researcher with St George’s University of London, and Director of Social Care at Hertfordshire Mental Health NHS Trust. She started her social work career in 1994 as a practitioner and latterly a manager in integrated health, social care and homelessness services. She has held a range of practice, development, leadership and policy roles. Her professional social work career – including academic and other writing as well as national policy work – has focused particularly on human rights, social justice and self-determination in mental health and related fields, and workplace wellbeing.

Dr Allen holds a BA Hons in Geography from Oxford. She holds master’s degree in social work, a CQSW and a Professional Doctorate in Professional Education from the University of Sussex, and a post-graduate diploma in applied systemic practice. She is currently undertaking a qualification in leadership coaching.