Increasing equity in social care

We know oppression, inequality and disadvantage exist in society and lead to some people being left behind. People have different experiences and outcomes of adult social care depending on who they are and their story.

Imagine, for a moment, a world where we approach social care with an intersectional lens. Where the needs and experiences of individuals are acknowledged and understood, not as isolated fragments, but as intricate pieces of a larger puzzle.

'[Equity is] the commitment to dismantle the systems that create disparities and provide everyone with an unburdened path to success. In this race, equity isn't just an option. It's the only way to ensure that the finish line truly represents equal opportunity for all.' (Clenton Farquharson)

Intersectionality offers a lens to understand people better and to offer better practice. It is a tool for analysing how different forms of oppression, inequality and disadvantage – ageism, racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism, classism and more – interact and intersect to influence lived experiences (Bernard, 2020). It urges us to recognise that our struggles and privileges are interconnected and cannot be separated. Listen to three stories that put an intersectional lens into practice.

A new Equity Change Project enables practitioners, services and organisations to understand the barriers people face and to implement the change that is needed to make adult social care more effective. This leads to better experiences and outcomes, and to greater wellbeing, both for people who may need adult social care and those who work in it.

Developed by academics, practitioners in adult social care, and people with lived experience, you can:

• Put intersectionality into action with methods to support you in practice.
• Reflect on the support that practitioners need to work in an intersectional way.
• Hear reflections from a leader on putting intersectionality into action.

Use the resources to consider what a different system would look like, how to bring about systemic change and evaluate impact.

You can also listen to Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Gerry Nosowska introducing the concept of equity in social care below.

Find out more.

References

Equity Change Project: Research in Practice (2024). Equity Change Project. National Children's Bureau: Research in Practice.

Why intersectionality matters for social work practice in adult services: Blog?Bernard, C. (2020. January 31). Why intersectionality matters for social work practice in adult services. Department of Health and Social Care. ??