Racism against social workers from ethnic minority groups has ‘significantly increased’ in the past year, according to most practitioners.
The results of a Community Care poll echo warnings from the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers’ (NAFP) that “rising hostility towards immigrants and the normalisation of discriminatory views” were harming children in care, foster carers, and social workers.
In an interview with Community Care, NAFP chief executive Harvey Gallagher said that Muslim and black Caribbean social workers had reported experiencing levels of racism not seen since their “teenage years”.
‘A lack of clear guidance and leadership’
In an open letter to children's minister MacAlister, he said the problem had been made worse by “a lack of clear guidance and leadership at the most senior levels on how organisations should respond”.
He urged government and sector leaders to issue clear guidance, provide safe spaces for practitioners to share their experiences “without fear”, and promote a sustained “cultural commitment to anti-racism education” across organisations.
Of 861 respondents to the Community Care poll, most respondents (76%) said levels of racism against social workers from minority groups had increased in the past year, with more than half (57%) saying that it had risen significantly.
Only 10% said they believed levels of racism had fallen, while 14% reported no change.
Challenging racism 'goes with job of being children's minister'
Practitioners joined Gallagher in criticising a lack of action from government and sector bodies, in the comments section of the related article.
“What will benefit all children is ministerial leadership and guidance that [ensures] what is needed for a good childhood is experienced by all children everywhere, everyday,” said Jonathan Stanley, who claimed that MacAlister had been silent on the issue.
“Leading [this by challenging] oppression, racism or poverty, goes with the job, and is always urgent.”
Pauline O’Reggio urged senior managers, unions, politicians and social workers to challenge racism and avoid being complacent.
“Unless those in senior positions listen, believe and demonstrate respect for those who attempt to highlight issues, [the NAFP's letter will] serve no purpose. We [will] continue the circle of no change.”
‘Society changes social work’
Another practitioner, Tahin, believed that social workers were complicit in rising levels of racism, through being part of a society that was "based on discrimination and atomisation of communities".
“Social work doesn’t change society, society changes social work. The latest impact of society on social work is in how discussions on immigration and asylum seekers have shifted amongst social workers,” he said.
“We now have openly Reform supporting social workers unashamedly telling us their views...If you want to counter racism rely on each other - it's not something we can outsource to others if we are serious."
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