Resilient Diaspora Social Workers: Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging Environment

Ruth Allen, BASW CEO

Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults and Mental Health Social Work

Susan Dobson, Professional Officer at the Scottish Association of Social Workers (SASW)

Linda Harms-Smith, Research Associate and Lecturer in Social Work

Echo Yeung, Associate Professor in Research in Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire

Teresea Barnett-Asamoah

• Janet Daby, MP Lewisham East - special message of support via letter.
  
   

Seminar Session A

1. Echo Yeung and Teresea Barnett-Asamoah: Enhancing practice learning experiences of students from BME backgrounds: a resource pack for practice educators 

2. Daisy D Toscano and Belinda van Zyl : Navigating the Academic Journey: Experiences of International Social Work Students from Global Majority Backgrounds

3. Priya David: Thriving Together: Equipping managers to Support International Social Workers

Seminar session B

1. Yohai Hakak & Chito Okeke:  Bridging Worlds: How International Social Workers Navigate Cultural Differences in the UK

2. Uche Odunze & Chidiebere Aguagwa: From Welcome to Wellbeing: A Practical Guide to International Students Adaptation in the UK

3. Sharing of International social work students.

• Sunday Idoko: The Role of Peer and Tutor Support in Building Resilience for International Social Work Students. 
• Marian Doku: Cultural Transition and Inner Strength: Building Resilience as a Social Work Student Abroad
• Emmanuel Amuzu: Exploring Spiritual Coping Strategies among African Immigrants in the United Kingdom: A Case Study of Ghanaian Christians

Resilient Diaspora Social Workers: 

Surviving and thriving in a challenging environment 

10/7/2025:  9 am – 4 pm

 University of Wolverhampton

BASW DIASPORA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Do you know an outstanding diaspora social worker who has contributed within our local community or with individuals? We are excited to announce the BASW Diaspora Social Worker of the Year Award, celebrating the invaluable contributions of diaspora social workers in Local Authorities.

This prestigious award recognises the dedication, compassion, and innovative approaches of social workers who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift our community. We invite you to nominate a social worker who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment.

There are different categories that you can nominate for: 

• Diaspora ASYE / NQSW of the Year 
• Diaspora Social Worker of the Year 
• Diaspora Social Work Manager of the Year 
• Diaspora Social Work Student of the Year 
• Diaspora Practice Educator of the Year
• Diaspora Academic of the Year

The recognitions will be presented at the second BASW Diaspora Social Work Conference, themed “Resilient Diaspora Social Workers: Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging Environment,” Thursday 10th July 2025. 

Nomination Criteria:

• Must be a diaspora ASYE / NQSW / Social Worker / Social Work Manager / Social Work Student / Practice Educator / Academic
• Demonstrates outstanding dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families
• Shows innovative and effective approaches to Social Work.

How to Nominate: 

• Complete the nomination form which can be found here
• Provide a description of the nominee's contributions and achievements.
• Submit your nomination by 11.59pm on 20th June 2025.

Let's come together to honour and celebrate the heroes among us who work tirelessly to make our community a better place. Nominate a diaspora social worker today!

For more information, please contact diaspora@baswnetwork.co.uk

Website: https://basw.co.uk/support/groups-and-networks/special-interest-groups/diaspora-special-interest-group

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basw-diaspora-social-workers-sig

Ruth Allen has spent the past eight years as chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), providing leadership and representation to members from all parts of the profession.

But before that, her focus was squarely on mental health social work.

Having practised in mental health settings after qualifying in the 1990s, she went on to become director of social work in two NHS Trusts.

Then, in 2012, she became chair of the mental health faculty at The College of Social Work, the body set up to provide leadership for the profession, which closed in 2015 after the government withdrew funding and it was unable to sustain itself.

Most recently, she was elected president of the International Federation of Social Workers Europe, the regional division of the profession’s global body.

Speaking to Community Care, Allen reflected on the evolution of mental health practice within social work, the lack of shared knowledge across services and BASW’s impact under her leadership. 

[Community Care 27 06 24]

Sarah McClinton began her role as Chief Social Worker in January 2025.

As Chief Social Worker, Sarah will be the head of profession, the public face of adult social work in England and a senior leader within the Department. Sarah will work with colleagues across DHSC, including Ministers, to provide expert advice on all matters relating to social workers and social care practice. She will offer a frontline perspective on issues to inform policymaking and will maintain her already established strong links with the adult social care sector.

Sarah is currently in post as deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health and Adult Services in the London Borough of Greenwich. She is also the Place Executive Director on the  Southeast London Integrated Care Board, an integrated role which sits across the local authority and health system.  She was previously President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and has worked in DHSC as Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Dementia.

Speaking of her appointment, Sarah said:

“I am delighted to be appointed to this important role towards the beginning of a new government and look forward to working closely with colleagues both inside and outside the Department”.

[Social Work with Adults Blog - Gov.uk website]

Find out about Janet Daby MP on her website

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Credit for Janet Daby MP's image used above: (https://members-api.parliament.uk/api/Members/4698/Portrait?cropType=Th…)

Dr Echo Yuet Wah Yeung is Associate Professor in Research in Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire.  She is a registered social worker with Social Work England.  Her research interests are in health and social care of people from Chinese backgrounds and other minority ethnic communities. Other research interests include practice education in social work education.  Her most research projects concern learning experience of students from the Global Majority; and experience of re-engagement of migrant social workers from Hong Kong.   More information about her research profile and publications can be found under: University of Hertfordshire: https://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/en/persons/yuet-wah-yeung