SASW is focusing on how to ensure our support to members is relevant to them, whatever their identity or background.
The Equality Act 2010 details and outlines a set of 9 characteristics that are protected from prejudice and discrimination by law. SASW works to uphold social work practice and the creation of public policy which supports these protected characteristics.
In doing so, we regularly respond to consultations on changes to legislation from the Scottish Government which may affect rights and support people with protected characteristics. All SASW/BASW members are encouraged to join our growing group of expert members to help inform our responses in relation to:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
If you'd like to help us respond to policy positions in relation to any of these characteristics, please email scotland@basw.co.uk
Our journey tackling racism in Scottish social work
First steps
In July 2021, we launched our report, "Racism in Scottish Social Work: a 2021 snapshot." It found that:
- Racism exists within social work in Scotland, in both employment and education settings, from colleagues, managers and people who use services
- The impact of racism on social workers from BAME backgrounds is significant
- When racism is reported it is rarely dealt with in a satisfactory way
- Racism experienced within social work is harmful, both to individuals and to the profession
Read the full report in the resource links below.
SASW's Anti-Racism Advisory Group
Our Anti-Racism Advisory Group (ARAG) is made up of people like you who share our determination to tackle racism in Scotland and Scottish social work. We are actively seeking new members to bring their experiences, thoughts and ideas to the forefront of the fight against racism. We welcome applications to join ARAG from anyone who shares our mutual goal regardless of your race, background or stage in your career. If this sounds like you, get in touch by emailing Scotland@basw.co.uk.
Anti-Racism Action Plan and next steps
We worked closely with our Anti-Racism Advisory Group to address the concerns raised in the report and in April 2022 published our Anti-Racism Action Plan. The plan sets out actions which will help us fulfil our commitment to promote anti-racism in social work. It will help us challenge both our own and others’ perceptions, drawing on the accounts of those who have experienced racism. Read more here.
Following this, we have held a number of events with senior partners in the social work sector and the group now works closely with the Scottish Government.
View the full action plan (which is currently being updated) on the link below.
BASW practice support
SASW BASW EDI supports and groups
Autistic people
BASW has a series of resources and supports for those working with autistic people.
Join our Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group.
Supported by BASW. If you are a social worker with neurodivergent traits, come and join us, let’s be the change and make our workplace neuro-inclusive! This vibrant, active SIG meets online, usually on MS Teams, on the last Tuesday of every month, 7pm till 8.30pm.
Older people
A series of resources and supports for those working with older people.
People with learning disabilities
A series of supports and resources for people with learning disabilities and those supporting people with learning disabilities.
SASW Anti-Racism Action Group
Our Anti-Racism Advisory Group (ARAG) is made up of people like you who share our determination to tackle racism in Scotland and Scottish social work. We greatly value the contributions of the group and are actively seeking new members to bring their experiences, thoughts and ideas to the forefront of the fight against racism. We welcome applications to join ARAG from anyone who shares our mutual goal regardless of your race, background or stage in your career.
If this sounds like you, get in touch by emailing Scotland@basw.co.uk.
BASW's full EDI page
Find BASW's full list of resources and supports for EDI which can support people right across the UK.
