Social work professionals from across the sector will gather for the first ever Diaspora Dialogues Conference at Brunel University on Monday 18th March. The event is being organised by the Social Workers Union and British Association of Social Workers.
The conference will celebrate the contribution of overseas workers to the profession, and also raise awareness of the challenges faced by social workers who have migrated to the UK to practise here. Organisers hope that the conference will help to create a ‘safe haven’ for diaspora social workers.
Duc Tran, Co-Chair, Diaspora Special Interest Group at the British Association of Social Workers, said:
All the diaspora social workers I know are committed and hardworking people who just want to make a positive contribution to the lives and communities which they serve. Their presence adds richness and resilience to the country’s social care sector.
Recent analysis by The Kings Fund points to the huge importance of international recruitment to addressing the NHS workforce crisis, with 1 in every 5 people working in the health service coming from overseas. This is testament to the vital role diaspora social workers play in the sector.
Priya David, Co-Chair, Diaspora Special Interest Group at the British Association of Social Workers, said:
We are really excited to be part of the first ever diaspora social workers conference, and we hope it is the first of many. We want to ensure that colleagues can access a supportive peer network and that we can provide a safe haven to voice their concerns about the issues they face.
The conference is taking place during World Social Work Month and the day before World Social Work Day.
Calum Gallacher, Assistant General Secretary, Social Workers Union, added:
Overseas social workers make an enormous contribution to the health service here in the UK.
We want to ensure that diaspora social workers are aware of their rights while in the UK and can access a community of peers that is here to support one another.
For more information visit: https://www.basw.co.uk/events/diaspora-dialogues-celebrating-social-workers-move
