Social Work England (SWE) launched its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
The plan details progress since its Statement of Intent, which Social Work England published last year to set out its ambitions for operating with equality, diversity and inclusion as part of its core business.
Progress include SWE:
- Appointing a dedicated lead for equality, diversity and inclusion to our senior leadership team;
- commissioned Woodnewton to undertake a study into public perceptions and experiences of raising a fitness to practise concern about a social worker, including specific questions around equality, diversity and inclusion;
- became an associate of the Staff College’s Black and Asian Leadership Initiative (BALI) Network; and
- published its first gender pay gap report.
Ahmina Akhtar, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Social Work England, said,
“As the specialist regulator, we share common values with the social workers we regulate. We recognise the responsibility we have to promote national conversations about the role of social work in addressing inequality. Part of this involves embracing many national awareness initiatives, including LGBT+ History Month and Race Equality Week this month. Our new action plan sets out Social Work England’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, which we’ll deliver for and with the sector and staff.
We’ve already built some active partnerships with organisations in the sector who are keen to embed a better understanding of these issues amongst employers, social workers and the communities they serve. However, it’s a massive task and we need to recognise that every step in the right direction is worthwhile and will gradually bring about the changes we need to see if we work collaboratively.”
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