Anti-Racism in Social Work 

The BASW England presentation on ‘Anti-Racism in Social Work’ is aimed at social workers at all levels.  

The Black Lives Matter movement has exposed the horrendous injustice, discrimination and oppression faced by black and minority ethnic people on a daily basis around the globe. As a society, we fall dreadfully short of the mark when it comes to ensuring equality – and unfortunately, social work is not exempt. A real commitment to anti-racism within social work is a constant, ongoing process and this presentation is designed only as a brief overview. 

The key aims of the presentation are as follows:

  • To explore practical tools which can be used within direct work/reflective workspaces to identify prejudice and white privilege 
  • To explore intersectional discrimination and racism within the context of black and ethnic minority communities- add in BASW position statements about anti-racism – reference different statements 
  • To gain an understanding of what is meant by a commitment to being actively anti-racist
  • To explore barriers to meaningful organisational change and how to overcome these

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for bringing antiracism into the spotlight on social work. More importantly I have finally found the confidence to return to my beloved profession.

Social Worker

Pre-presentation activity

In order to get the most out of the presentation and as part of a commitment to learning and development about anti-racism, participants are encouraged to develop an understanding of the Black Lives Matter movement, and why it has been such a catalyst for change. You can view BASW England's Anti-Racism resources here.

Shades of Bias

Shades of Bias (SoB) is a versatile case study template designed to enable critical reflection on how discrimination, oppression and racism manifests in social work and beyond. It is a simple process for documenting, analysing and addressing instances of bias, whether it is experienced directly, observed or perpetrated (by the person/people responsible). SoB embraces intersectionality and is underpinned by the protected characteristics age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc as per the
Equality Act 2010.

Pre-presentation activity

To get the most out of the presentation and as part of a commitment to learning and development participants are encouraged to review the Shades of Bias resources and template.  We will also arrange a pre-presentation meeting with organisers to discuss your requirements.

For more information visit Shades of Bias (SoB) | BASW

Post-Presentation:

You may wish to organise an internal post-presentation session with colleagues to reflect on the session and how your organisation will implement Shades of Bias locally, so your teams recognise that this is a resource that can be used in everyday practice.

We Want to Hear from You: Shades of Bias user survey:

Have you used the Shades of Bias framework to reflect on racism, discrimination or bias?  We’re inviting users to share their experiences by completing a short, anonymous survey. Your feedback will help shape how SoB evolves and how it’s used across social work practice, education and leadership.  Your voice matters – whether you used Shades of Bias personally and/or professionally.  
Complete the survey 

Cost-of-Living Crisis 

The BASW England presentation on the cost-of-living crisis is aimed at social workers and those working with people, families and communities at all levels. BASW England is committed to call on the UK Government to provide greater support for the social work workforce in three specific areas which makes up our broader campaign. This presentation gives social workers more information about the crisis, BASW's response, and the support available for local communities and social workers.

Key aims of the presentation:

  • To give background and context to the cost-of-living crisis
  • To understand the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on social workers
  • To provide information about BASW's campaign activity and research currently being undertaken
  • To understand the support available from local support and debt advice to support available from the national government, and how to access it
  • To provide BASW resources to support the workforce
  • To provide time and space to critically reflect with peers 

Prices (for presentations before 31st March 2026)

1.5 hours Virtual Presentation: £250 + VAT

1/2 day In Person Presentation: £400 + VAT (plus travel costs)

Full Day In Person Presentation: £650 + VAT (plus travel costs) 

Prices (from 1st April 2026)

1.5 hours Virtual Presentation: £325 + VAT

1/2 day In Person Presentation: £500 + VAT (plus travel costs)

Full Day In Person Presentation: £810 + VAT (plus travel costs) 

To enquire regarding any of our paid presentations, please contact lisa.kennedy@basw.co.uk 

University Presentations 

BASW England Professional Officers offer free talks to social work students regarding the benefits of BASW membership, including advice and representation, CPD and supporting social workers throughout their career. Annually we visit up to 30 universities to speak to students to talk about the profession and the changing landscape of social work. 

Topics include:

To book a university visit, please contact england@basw.co.uk 

The professional officer clearly articulated her vast knowledge on all of the services available through BASW, many that I was unaware of. She was clearly well prepared and inclusive of anyone who wished to participate.

University Lecturer

Visits are subject to the availability of our professional officers, but we will do our best to accommodate. We are not able to offer multiple visits to the same institution. We are currently conducting the majority of our visits virtually, but if we have a professional officer in your area we may be able to accommodate, so ask if you are interested. Please note, we do ask that you cover the cost of travel for in person visits. 

To book a university presentation, fill in the form linked below and send to sheridan.lane@basw.co.uk 

PCF - Point of entry to training: Female social work student on laptop

Student Hub

A hub of support, guidance and resources for student members.