National Anti-racism Statement of Intent published and workforce survey launched to dismantle systemic racism in Scottish social work

Scottish Government and SASW co-chaired anti-racism oversight group launch statement of intent and, with Iriss, national workforce survey
no room for racism logo with quote from Joanna Macdonald

The statement of intent has been published by the Social Work Anti-Racism Oversight Group. The Scottish Government and the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW), together with partners from the social work sector, established this Group in July 2023 to oversee the development and implementation of a national action plan to address systemic racism within the social work sector.

The purpose of the Group is to share its members’ experience and expertise in order to shape and promote active anti-racism in the social work profession across Scotland. The Group is chaired jointly by the Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser (OCSWA) in the Scottish Government and SASW.

Alongside the statement of intent, The Anti-Racism Survey for Social Work has been launched to capture experiences of racism in the sector.  We urge everyone from social work students to senior practitioners and leaders to respond.

The survey will close on 29 November 2024. 

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." 

Link to National Survey: www.iriss.org.uk/racismsurvey

Link to Statement of Intent: Social Work Anti-racism Oversight Group: statement of intent - gov.scot