In this keynote, Dr Prospera Tedam will share findings from her recent research into the experiences of Black African social work students and practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how the professional standards are being undermined by the persistence of racism in some areas of social work education and practice.

The year 2020 was a reminder to us all of our responsibilities to those who are the victims or potential victims of racism, racial discrimination and related oppression. It also served as a wake-up call for those who claimed to be unknowingly complicit in racism.

Importantly, this keynote session will offer some thoughts about where social work in England should be heading, and why anti-racist practice needs the engagement of everyone with an interest in social work.

Key information

• All Social Work Week events are free to attend, however you must book on each individual event via Eventbrite.

• You will need to be able to access Microsoft Teams to attend - you can find more information about how to use MS Teams on our website.

• Please email us at socialworkweek@socialworkengland.org.uk should you have any accessibility requirements for attending this event.

• If you are a social worker, reflecting on a session that you attend as part of Social Work Week could be used as part of your CPD. Find out more about CPD on our website.

About Social Work Week

Social Work Week (8 to 12 March) organised by Social Work England is a virtual programme of events bringing together over 70 activities including thought-provoking speakers, workshops, networking, reflective sessions, arts, theatre, film, poetry and wellbeing activities.

More information about Social Work Week can be found on our website.

Social Work Week will complement the annual World Social Work Day celebrations on 16 March 2021. World Social Work Day recognises the hard work and dedication of social workers on an international stage.

Social Work Week is for anyone with an interest in social work in England, including:

• Social workers (including people looking to return to the profession)
• People with lived experience
• Students on social work courses
• Employers of social workers
• Education providers

Privacy notice

Please note that Social Work Week events you attend may be recorded and shared online after the event. We may also use photos and screenshots from the event to be used both internally and externally for learning, marketing and promotional reasons.

If 'dialing-in' to an event by telephone, your number will be visible on the MS Teams screen. You can dial '141' before the number you want to call to 'withhold' it.

Any views, information or opinions expressed by third parties during Social Work Week are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Social Work England or its employees.

If you have any questions, please email socialworkweek@socialworkengland.org.uk

We look forward to your participation at Social Work Week.