This is the story of an anti-racist campaign staged by social workers and allied health professionals which encourages readers to consider their own possibilities for anti-racist action. The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and subsequent expression of anger, frustration and grief at the continued existence of racism led to more sophisticated and honest conversations about racism and its impact. Social work also started to recognise its own problem with racist systems and its failure as a profession that strives for social justice to have addressed this in any meaningful way. The Anti-Racist Social Worker describe a successful campaign of anti-racist direct action that was staged by a small group of social workers and occupational therapists. The opening chapter tells the story of the campaign from the coming together of the campaign group to the concluding day of action. Subsequent chapters are written by campaign members at different stages of their career, from student social worker to Chief Social Worker for England. Each describes journeys to and stories of anti-racist activism. These stories are about either the writers' experiences of racism and how this translated into action or their growing understanding of the impact of racism and subsequent decision to take personal action. Importantly, each chapter offers a personal case study and therefore a suggestion of individual anti-racist action that can be taken by social workers. The Anti-Racist Social Worker is a call for action told through individual stories. It shows how those in social care and allied health professions can contribute in a meaningful way to the creation of the change we need and encourages everyone to consider their own roles in dismantling racism.

A must-have text for social work students and practitioners which draws on the extensive years of experience of Principal Social Workers to shed light on contemporary issues. Principal Social Workers are senior managers with lead responsibility for practice in the local authority but are still actively involved in frontline practice and can report on the views and experiences of practitioners at all levels. This book explores commonly encountered practice issues and considers them in a practical and discursive manner. Readers can be assured that they are getting the best first-hand experience as the PSW's voice can be trusted as their views are fully grounded in practice so their theories, policies and ideas can be fully applied to a student or practitioner's practice. This book aims to offer a refreshing and accessible take on contemporary practice issues. Presented in an accessible style, each chapter displays an area of practice that has personal resonance for the author. It encourage critical thinking by taking a broader concept and asking the reader 'what does this mean for social work practice?'