Visiting a service user’s home in two’s should not have been an issue nor should staffing levels be an excuse, other professions go out in two’s, especially in difficult situations why are social workers treated differently do we not face similar issues if not more complex issues?

Does this imply the worker’s judgment and safety are less important than asking another colleague to accompany them on a visit? (perhaps there should be a duty worker available for the team to support the team in situations like this) why is this not a good use of another social worker, this does not make sense to me, is there no more working as a team? Is it now normal to work in isolation?

Racism does exist in my opinion. There is no doubt that there is a fear of being open about this issue because our employment status is dependent on not being open. Not defending who we are and our very existence in this world will impact our mental health and children’s mental health in the future, as it affects our very identity and self-worth in society.

In regards to service users and children identifying with their social worker. As professionals we are carrying out the duties of a professional, whose responsibility is the safeguarding of ( all) children, we are there to carry out a professional service that is what we are trained to do.

For children from different minority groups, society is made up of different groups the service they come into contact with should represent this, the next generation should see themselves in professional roles on an equal basis and not marginalized, undervalued, invisible, and not able to reach their potential, is this not what the working together guidelines stipulate.

While organizations make excuses for parents, change will not take place and abuse will continue undetected for longer than is necessary.

I attempt to express my true opinions to make it clear of the impact on myself and service users. It is uncomfortable and certainly impacts your career and integrity.

I understand why social workers stand back and observe those around them elevated to management roles without the necessary qualities to lead a team of social workers or have the skills, maturity, and or desire to support black and minority groups against clear discrimination in the workplace.

Could this be the reason why nothing has changed? If you as an employee believe you will not be supported what does this tell you about the leadership you are experiencing? Does it also explain why there is a high turnover in the workforce?

I also think it only fair to say over my 43 years of service there have been only three managers whom I can say I have respected and who have attempted to make decisions for the right reasons only to receive criticism from senior management.What does this tell you?

This is so true and in changing of the worker, you will find that some tend to brag that the family works better with them and this makes it seem like you were not competent or you did something wrong.

Lack of promotion and if you are you are promoted to team manager you are targetted by colleagues and there is lack of support from senior managers as they are unable to deal with the issues of racism and do not want to acknowledge this area. Racism in work place is subtle, and leaves you questioning whether you experienced it or if you have gone crazy for a minute. I’m glad I left the profession as this ate away at my confidence and would have left me with Mental Health issues. The less diverse the area you work in the more prevalent Racism is. I feel for all social workers who are from an ethnic minority background, especially those who are newly qualified and encourage them to join work place BAME groups.

Im so sorry to hear this
I’m mixed race mum and I feel I have been treated badly and been allowed to be treated badly due to my skin colour.

Every social worker will face issues where parents will focus on what they believe is the professional’s weaknesses or where they can deflect from issues, that may arise this pattern of behavior may undermine you as the worker so that you and others question your ability as a professional to complete an assessment. Parents may question your age and maturity, your race, and your beliefs. Is it not the organization that should make it clear that you are an employee carrying out their duty?

Unfortunately and heartbreakingly even during serious child protection concerns a black social worker will be removed at the request of a parent than a social worker whom the parents believe is too young. What does that message reinforce to that child who may not have had an issue with a black worker, what message does that send to other children whom that child may know, what message does that send to the black and or ethnic minority worker, what message does that reinforce to other professionals and the worker’s colleagues,is the organization not unconsciously,/consciously reinforcing a divide in its organization and creating a culture of elitism and more opportunities for certain cultures in the workplace and those whom we are employed to protect.

What has changed perhaps I am missing something.How can a social worker have open and honest discussions if you know you can be removed from a case based on the colour of your skin and not your ability has practitioners.

Black and minority workers are equally competent yet there remains inequality in social work today, it is no wonder parents have a lack of trust if an organization can not be seen to support all its employees in carrying out important roles within society, what are the changes children from black and ethnic minority groups are being treated with respect and equal safeguards are being put in place for them if a worker can be removed from a case based on their color. Have we forgotten what we trained for and the principles of social work?

My brief opinions are based on my experience and observation of child protection social work over forty years. My intention is to give a balanced and honest view. I have always been proud to be a social worker, however there remains discrimination for employees and service users.