Social workers urged to update their diversity data

Social Work England is asking every social worker who is on their register to answer questions on equality and diversity when they renew their registration between 1 September and 30 November.

The regulator says this vital data will help them build an accurate picture of the workforce, and to understand and reflect the identity of this complex, often misunderstood and multifaceted profession that improves the lives of millions of people every day.

Over 8,600 social workers have already uploaded their data. Now the regulator is urging remaining social workers to record their diversity data in a campaign backed by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), Social Workers’ Union, UNISON, ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services), and ADCS (Association of Directors of Children’s Services).  

A complete picture of the workforce will enable Social Work England to analyse, understand and, if necessary, revise their rules, systems, and policies. The information will help Social Work England identify any trends or differences in outcomes for people in relation to their backgrounds. This ensures that the regulator’s policies and processes are fair and equal to everyone.

As a regulator tasked with protecting the public, building confidence in the profession and maintaining professional standards, Social Work England continually engages with people to promote national conversations about the role social work plays in addressing inequality. It is vital that Social Work England stays alert to the challenges surrounding equality, diversity and inclusion both within and outside of the profession.   

Sarah Blackmore, executive director of professional practice and external engagement at Social Work England, said:

“During our first few years of operating, we have continually been reminded of the importance of gathering data.

Social Work England is in a unique position to capture information about the profession.

Over the last year, we have engaged and carried out research to help us to build a rich picture of the workforce.  

However, we know that so much more needs to be done to properly address issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. Working with the profession and other organisations is critical to ensure we succeed in our collective ambition to improve our services for social workers.”

ADASS added:

“ADASS shares Social Work England's urgency in encouraging social workers to update their personal data. Gaining a greater understanding of our workforce's demographic will allow us to strengthen our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion in all facets of our work. Without this data, we will be unable to properly address key social justice issues and improve social work for us all.”

Steve Crocker, ADCS President, said,

“Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the root of good social work practice with children and families, yet too often workers from underrepresented groups can face differences in outcomes and systemic barriers in the workplace, including on their journey to leadership positions. We each have a role in identifying and removing any unintended bias in the system, and by collecting this data we hope that Social Work England can better understand where gaps and trends exist that need addressing. I encourage social workers to share this information with the regulator.”

 British Association of Social Workers Chair Julia Ross said:

“Data and diversity are arguably the two of the most important matters in dealing with our valuable and rich workforce. We know that most employers struggle with this issue in being able to evidence any significant patterns and trends on registrants. This is vitally important for the regulatory bodies to better understand equality issues, access to continuing professional development as well as future career potential pathways and referrals to fitness to practise hearings. I hope by collaborating in this way, we will achieve this.”

John McGowan, General Secretary of the Social Workers Union, said,

"Sharing this information with the regulatory body is an act of solidarity with your fellow social workers as it can highlight any trends or differences in outcomes for people with protected characteristics. This is a terrific step towards embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in the profession and we encourage social workers to update the information on their online Social Work England account.”

  UNISON head of local government Mike Short said:

“These changes will help everyone better understand the diverse nature of the workforce. The data collected will allow Social Work England to deal with any problems relating to registration and referrals in a much fairer way. It will ensure every social worker has the same experience and that all policies relating to registration are without bias."

Social workers can share their diversity data by logging into their online account.  
 
You can read more about why this is important, and how the data will be stored and used in this blog by Social Work England’s head of equality, diversity and inclusion, Ahmina Akhtar.