The experiences of black and minority ethnic social workers within the workplace

Social work is more diverse as a profession than the population of England and Wales as a whole. While the 2011 census showed that 3.3% of people in England and Wales are black, 12% of children’s social workers and around 15% of adults’ social workers  in English local authorities are black. However, black and minority ethnic practitioners still experience racism and discrimination within student placements, workplaces and from service users.

This session will cover:

• The experiences of black and minority ethnic students on social work courses, including the potential for discrimination during placements.
• How black social workers are impacted by racism and discrimination during their careers, including recent research on this.
• How social workers, mangers and supervisors can practice anti-racism and anti-oppression and build supportive teams and organisations.

Dr Prospera Tedam, assistant professor in social work