Reflecting on Progress and Challenges in Social Care Leadership

By Tricia Pereira, Co-Chair of the Independent Advisory Group to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard

As we re-launch the Independent Advisory Group to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SC-WRES), I am both excited and blessed to be working alongside my Co-Chair, Godfred Boahen. Phd , Vice Chairs Meera Kaur and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE , and our dedicated Advisory Group members: Wayne Reid , Sophie Chester-Glyn , Florah Shiringo , Nashan Wilson , Carmen Gardier , Francesca Darby , and our Academic Lead, Kish Bhatti-Sinclair

Once again, Black History Month #BHM is around the corner—a time to reflect, acknowledge, celebrate, and remind ourselves and each other of the contributions that Black people have made and continue to make to advance and progress societies. However, it was only a few weeks ago that we experienced horrific explicit displays of racism. These events serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and #justice.

Reflecting on the journey of diversity in social care leadership, and the (slow?) progress made since Daphne Obang's historic appointment in 2001 as the UK's first Black woman Director of Adults Social Services. At that time, Daphne was one of only two ethnically minoritised social services directors among the UK's 211 social services departments. The other was Chris Williams, who made history as the first Asian social services director at Dudley Council.

We also acknowledge the contributions of the four Black social services directors who held posts before Daphne: Ram Ramadhan at Oldham Council, Olsen Samuel at Haringey Council, Patrick Kodikara at Camden Council, and David Divine at Brent Council. Their leadership paved the way for future generations, yet the lack of visible diversity in social care leadership remains a significant challenge.

Despite these early milestones, visible diversity in social care leadership remains limited. It took until 2023 for Beverly Tarka of Haringey to become the first Black president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). This highlights the persistent barriers that ethnically minoritised professionals face in ascending to leadership roles within social care.

Historically, Global Majority professionals have faced significant challenges in accessing the same opportunities for advancement as their White counterparts. Research indicates that the underrepresentation of Black leaders in social care and other industries stems from systemic barriers, institutional biases, and the lack of support and mentorship.

Also, discriminatory hiring practices, limited access to professional networks, and racial stereotypes all of which hinder career advancement. The scarcity of role models and mentors further perpetuates these disparities, creating a cycle of exclusion and marginalisation in leadership roles. #We who know, know and feel it.

Recently, myself and colleagues Christine Wint , Rebecca Spencer Smith Rachel Quine , have been engaging in conversations about the riots with Global Majority and White Principal Social Workers, Principal Occupational Therapists, and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Leads, we also met with Global Majority people aspiring into these professional roles.

Talking with them, took me back to conversations I had during the COVID19 Pandemic and how under supported colleagues felt.

These recent discussions have further underscored the profound impact of racism, and the recent racist riots have had on individual practitioners and social care workers, who venture into communities alone, facing uncertainty and potential hostility. The anxiety and trauma shared with us, is deeply concerning and demands urgent attention.

The SC-WRES, while voluntary, represents a significant step towards addressing these issues. We wholeheartedly celebrate that 85 Local Authorities have signed up to the SC-WRES this year. This commitment is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for race equality in social care. The Independent Advisory Group looks forward to collaborating with these authorities to foster anti-racist workplaces that supports the well-being of all practitioners and social care workers.

We also want to acknowledge the support from and thank Kent County Council Adult Social care and Health, who have generously offered to host the Advisory Group. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the BASW UK British Association of Social Workers and Research in Practice for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause.

As we embark on this journey, I am filled with hope and determination. I am always hopeful that together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable social care sector, where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, and where every professional feels safe, valued, respected and empowered Skills for Care

We currently have vacancies, if you wish to become a member of the Independent Advisory Group then message directly. I am excited for our developing partnerships with BASW Diaspora Social Workers SIG and Filipinos in Care C.I.C.

Tricia Pereira

Co-Chair, Independent Advisory Group to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard