Social workers, students, academics, lived experience colleagues and practice educators of social work gathered in Suffolk to reflect and study anti-racist practice and how to do it well in their profession.

The Suffolk and Norfolk Social Work Teaching Partnership hosted the workshop on Tuesday 28 February 2023 at Ipswich Town Football Club. The event for assessors and supervisors supporting students, apprentices, and newly qualified social workers highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural diversity of the workforce and students.

The key speaker, Dr Prospera Tedam, started with the MANDELA Model, developed in 2012, by Prospera, in response to concerns around delayed progression of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) students on social work programmes in the UK. There was a discussion about how to build relationships with colleagues and students using the model.

Heidi Dix and Sue Hollinrake from the University of Suffolk presented an update of their original research in 2019, titled, How much do BAME students on the social work programme at University of Suffolk feel able to explore their different ethnicities within the teaching and learning and assessment opportunities?’

The new research - A review of how the BA (Hons) Social Work Programme at University of Suffolk teaches anti-racism - concluded the morning workshop.

This was a valuable opportunity to think about how we can all take action to confront systemic racism, nurture allyships and practice culturally competent care.

 This event is one in a series to share innovative approaches and good practice and challenge and influence everyday thinking and behaviour in relation to anti-racist practice.