Renal social workers have been a vital part of the multidisciplinary team in kidney care for decades, offering specialist psychosocial support to people living with kidney disease and their families. The National Renal Social Work Group was established in the1970’s and our collective memory recalls times when social workers sat on dialysis allocation panels, helping make difficult decisions about who could access life-saving treatment when NHS resources were scarce. Since those early days, the group has grown into a nationwide professional organisation that includes paediatric, young adult, and adult renal social workers, as well as social work associates, reflecting the need for lifelong support across the renal pathway.

The UK Renal Social Work Group are committed to supporting our members through education, training, peer support, and collaborative research, while also advocating nationally and regionally for the recognition of psychosocial needs in renal care. Our involvement in policy, service development, and patient-centred initiatives helps ensure that emotional, social, and practical needs are not overlooked. By bringing a social model of care into the medical setting, we strive to help people with kidney disease identify their strengths, navigate complex life challenges, and live as fully and independently as possible.