The Scottish Government and the Scottish Association of Social Work have worked with partners from the sector to establish the group in July 2023 to oversee the development and implementation of a national action plan to address racism.
It comes after a report in 2021 found racism exists within the sector, is experienced in both employment and educational setting from colleagues, managers and people who use the service, the impact is significant and is ‘rarely’ dealt with in a satisfactory way when reported.
Now the group has made their statement of intent which has outlined four priority areas and their main aims for it.
The four areas are social work practice and education, leadership and culture, approach for oversight group members and stakeholder influence and campaigning.
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The statement also adds: “This statement of intent reiterates the need for an actively anti-racist stance within social work. By anti-racism, we mean actively standing up against racism, challenging and changing the policies, practices, beliefs and behaviours that unjustly disadvantage people from minority ethnic groups.
“We also mean being proactive in creating a more inclusive and fair culture in social work.
“We are committed to creating a profession characterised by respect, dignity and opportunity for all those who have chosen to train and practice as social workers and those who lead social work services.
“We hope you will join us in our endeavours. This is fundamental to the country’s efforts to reduce racial inequalities in Scotland.”
The anti-racism survey for social work has also been launched and everyone from social work students to senior practitioners and leaders are being urged to respond before the deadline on November 29.
Any social work student or social worker affected by racism can seek support from the Scottish Government funded Social Work Professional Support Service.
Joanna Macdonald, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser, Scottish Government commented: “The Statement of Intent is a collective commitment to drive forward an actively anti-racist approach for social work in Scotland. We want a profession characterised by dignity and respect for all, where all workers have the opportunity to train, work, and progress in a way that is meaningful to them.
“We want to know how racism affects wellbeing, careers and lives. We want to understand what’s being done to challenge and eradicate racism.
“We appeal to all social workers, social work educators and social work students – please complete the Anti-Racism Survey for Social Work. Help us create a social work profession free of racism. “
Alison Bavidge, National Director, SASW commented: “SASW’s 2021 report exposed the scale and impact of racism in Scottish social work. This Statement of Intent signed by Scottish Government and the representative body for Local Government, COSLA, signals commitment from both national and local government to make change.
“We urge students and social workers, whether in practice, leaders or academics, to complete the survey so that we can gather as much information about experiences of racism and any work being undertaken in the sector to tackle it.
“And for those have experienced or seen racism, know that this is a step in the right direction. If you need help and support, the Social Work Professional Support Service is there for confidential, free peer support.”
Kerry Musselbrook & Katie Feyerabend, Development Lead & Research Analysis Lead, Iriss commented: “We know racism is prevalent in social work, but we do not have enough data on the full extent of the issue, its impact on people, or actions being taken.
“Because of this we want to gather feedback from everyone involved in social work, including students, educators, practitioners, managers and leaders.
“This will be a key in creating a baseline from which to deliver action, monitor progress and inform the way ahead. It will be repeated every two years to hold us all accountable. We all have a part to play.”
