NTU and Malawi chart a bold course for social work excellence
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has taken a significant step forward in its global mission to advance social justice, welcoming a high-level ministerial delegation from Malawi in a landmark visit that signals a new phase of international collaboration.
At the centre of the visit was Dr Simon Cauvain, Head of Social Work, Care and Community at NTU, who personally facilitated the engagement and has spent over a decade building trusted partnerships with Malawian colleagues through the Supporting Social Work in Malawi (SSWIM) initiative. His leadership has helped shape a partnership grounded in mutual learning, long-term commitment, and a shared ambition to strengthen social work as a profession.
The delegation, led by Honourable Mary Navicha MP, Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, came to NTU to explore how education, research, and policy can work together to support social development and equality. The visit builds on years of collaboration led by Dr Cauvain and partners across the UK and Malawi, including work on curriculum development, practice education, leadership training, and support for national social work legislation.
Students at the heart of global change
One of the standout moments of the visit came during a lively seminar and Q&A with NTU students. Rather than observing from the sidelines, students played an active role in discussions - an approach that drew praise from the visiting minister.
Their contribution reflects NTU’s commitment to developing globally aware graduates and demonstrates how the university’s teaching connects directly to real-world challenges. Through initiatives like SSWIM, students are not only learning about social work - they are helping to shape its future.
The discussions also highlighted plans to expand research collaboration. NTU is actively exploring funded PhD opportunities for Malawian scholars, enabling researchers to study in the UK while maintaining strong ties to their communities. This model supports sustainable capacity building while avoiding the loss of talent from Malawi.
A partnership that goes beyond borders
The visit confirmed ambitions to broaden the partnership beyond social work into areas such as public health and nursing, unlocking the full potential of NTU’s interdisciplinary expertise.
A key proposal is the development of a Centre of Social Work Excellence in Malawi, to be established in partnership with Magomero Community Development College and the Malawian government. The centre will focus on research, professional development, and practice-based education, ensuring that academic work translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Crucially, the partnership places communities at its core. Plans include training local people in oral history research methods, enabling them to document their own experiences and priorities. This approach not only captures insights often missed by traditional research but also supports a more inclusive, decolonised model of knowledge creation.
Driving policy and professional change
The visit also highlighted the importance of policy reform in strengthening social work systems. Malawi’s proposed Social Work Bill — a key focus of discussions — offers the potential to professionalise the sector, improve standards, and unlock long-term investment.
NTU’s continued support in this area reflects its broader commitment to social responsibility and global impact. By contributing academic expertise to national policy development, the university is helping to shape systems that promote human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
This work also positions Malawi to engage more fully in international networks, raising the profile of its social work profession and creating new opportunities for collaboration across Africa and beyond.
A shared vision for lasting impact
For Dr Simon Cauvain, the visit marks a milestone in a journey that has been years in the making. His role as facilitator has been central to building a partnership defined by trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose.
“This collaboration shows what is possible when universities work alongside governments and communities to co-create solutions,” he said. “By investing in people, research, and relationships, we can support meaningful and lasting change.”
As NTU and Malawi move forward, the partnership promises significant benefits on both sides; enriching student learning, advancing research, and strengthening social work systems in Malawi. More than that, it offers a powerful model for how higher education can contribute to a fairer, more connected world.
Learn more about the project work on Supporting Social Work in Malawi (SSWIM) on the EAC research project page.