Ruth Stark is the new IFSW President elected by the global meeting in Melbourne on the 7th July.
Following her election, Ms Stark thanked the general meeting and said, “It is an honour to be elected to serve the global social work community at a time when we are demonstrating the value of the profession to all peoples, communities and wider society. In my term I will lead a new commitment to promoting the dignity and worth of people. In practical terms, this means that we must build effective partnerships with people who use social work services at both global and local levels”.
Ms Stark’s term coincides with the launching the second pillar of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development, building on the impact of the first Global report which focused on Promoting Social and Economic Equalities.
The General Meeting also expressed thanks to Dr Gary Bailey, who stood down as Global President on the completion of his four-year term. IFSW Secretary General said, “Dr Baily has had a significant impact on global social work, progressing the Global Agenda during his term. He also commissioned and nurtured the development of a new IFSW policy on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression”.
Welcoming Ruth Stark, Dr Truell acknowledged long commitment to promoting human rights and global social work. “I know that Ruth will provide energetic and principled leadership which will build our partnerships and global effectiveness’.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Ms Stark qualified in social work in 1976. Her services to social work in Scotland was recognised by a national honour awarded in 2013. Ruth has 40 years of social work practice experience and remains an active practitioner.