Racism is never acceptable in any form and when we hear about it happening to those people who support the most vulnerable in our community, it seems all the more appalling. Why do we need a diverse social work and social care workforce, and how can we ensure we protect those who are part of it? These are some of the big questions guiding this episode of the Care to Chat podcast.
In this captivating episode titled “Calling it out – Diversity and Racism in the Social Care and Social Work Workforce”, we welcome inspiring experts who have unique and relevant experiences and understanding of this complex issue, including why a diverse workforce is a strength and how important it is to do the work to ensure employers are able to support their staff when this happens.
In the studio with our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE, are qualified nurse Beverly Simpson, Co-chair of the Black and Migrant Workers Group in UNISON NI, Ineke Houtenbos, Senior Safeguarding Training Consultant and the chair of the Black Worker Support group, NSPCC, Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health and John Patrick Clayton, Head of Bargaining and Representation, UNISON NI.
It is a privilege to have heard from such passionate people who use their voices to highlight the issues, challenges and the impact of discrimination and racism. We thank our guests for sharing their insights and identifying opportunities to address racism in the workplace.
Ineke Houtenbos, is clear about what it can feel like to be subjected to racism in the workplace saying:
“I think it is really important for employers to understand that it does put you in a fight for flight state, and then having to explain that potentially to your colleagues becomes very difficult, because your navigating both of those spaces, that I am a professional, these are people I am caring for, but I am also really afraid.”
Aine Morrison reflecting on what are solutions added:
“It is all too easy for racist attitudes and behaviours to go unchallenged. I firmly believe that organisational culture is the most powerful tool we have in driving this change – and while guidance and policy are essential, they must underpin and reinforce that culture.
“In the Department of Health, through our policy remit for the social care workforce, we have recently launched the Social Care Workforce Strategy. It includes a strong commitment to supporting employers to better protect and support their staff in the context of anti-racism. This also involves promoting ethical recruitment practices and ensuring our social care workforce feels valued, respected and safe.”
Content warning: The episode deals with sensitive issues related to racism and other forms of discrimination. If this topic raises sensitive or triggering emotions for you, now may not be the right time for you to listen to it. Look after yourself when listening to this and ensure you seek support.
The Social Care Council releases a new episode every fortnight, discussing current topics about social care and social work regulation in Northern Ireland. Download, subscribe and listen to the latest Social Care Council ‘Care to chat?’ podcast episode today here, or by searching ‘Care to chat’ in your podcast player.
Episode 6: Calling it out – Diversity and Racism and the social care and the social work workforce – (52 minutes)
For more information:
As the Care to chat podcasts are designed with the social care and social work workforce in mind, we would like to invite suggestions of topics that our listeners would be interested to hear covered. If you have questions, suggestions or feedback about the podcast, email: comms@niscc.hscni.net.