According to estimates, about 15% of the 120,000 social workers in the UK were trained abroad. The number of those born abroad is significantly higher. Diaspora Dialogues: Celebrating Social Worker on the Move was the first conference to explore the challenges faced by these social workers and some solutions.
The British Association of Social Workers’ Special Interest Group on Diaspora Social Workers in collaboration with Brunel University’s Social Work division organised this conference that took place on 18 March 2024 at Brunel University London.
To listen to the recording of the different sessions, please click here. Diaspora Dialogues Conference – A Momentous Event - SWU Social Workers Union (swu-union.org.uk)
The agenda for the day included;
Welcome and introductions to the day by Priya David & Duc Tran, Co-Chairs of the Diaspora SIG; Iona Colvin, Chief Social Work Advisor, Scotland; Albert Heaney, Chief Social Work Officer, Wales and Jason Brandon, Interim Chief Adult Social Care.
Tricia Pereira: Contributions of International Social Workers to the Health and Social Care Workforce in the UK
Meera Spillettt: Pathway to Leadership for Diaspora Social Worker
Anstance Fometu, Katrina Williams and Callum Gallagher: Induction and Recruitment Standards
Prospera Tedam: Supporting diaspora social workers: an anti-oppressive approach
Yohai Hakak: Insider-outsider: what diaspora social workers can teach us about English culture
Emilia Chitenhe, Kelly Coles, Nimitha James, Aderin Olujitan, Kam Kakkladesh, Heba Kadir: Welcoming international recruits into the health service: excellent practice involving the NHS pastoral care award
Callum Gallacher and David Jones: Plenary Discussion Plenary Discussion: Trade unionism - support for diaspora social workers
Priya David and Duc Tran: concluding remarks