Social work's role in disasters is crucial, says Andy Burnham
Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 16 November 2022
Social work’s role in disasters and promoting justice for those affected by them has been underlined by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
Burham has been a key ally of families affected by the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in 1989 which claimed the lives of 97 fans.
And he had an important message from the Hillsborough Law Now campaign at the recent BASW Members Meeting held in October.
He said: “Professional membership bodies have a role to play in campaigning alongside people they work with calling out injustice and influencing reform.
“So can I use this opportunity to say a personal thank you to BASW England for your endorsement of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign.
“From my experience of working with the Hillsborough families and others in a similar position, they are not just traumatised by the shock of the initial bereavement, they are retraumatised by the long fight for truth and justice, often against uncaring and unresponsive bureaucracy.
“The Hillsborough Law will level up the scales of justice in their favour. Amongst other things, it will bring in a statutory duty of candour on public servants so the truth is told at the first time of asking.”
Underlining the importance of social work in disasters, Andy Burnham added: “The role of social work in disasters and in tackling social injustice is critical in social work, education and training. The current and future generation of social workers must be supported and given the time and resources to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in this area.
“It is important and right that social justice is highlighted in the BASW code of ethics and the professional capabilities framework.”
He also paid tribute to social workers experiencing ongoing pressures, describing their work as ‘vital’: “The cost of living crisis and the ongoing impact of the pandemic mean social work remains a vital safeguard and support system for many.
“Without your support, dedication and passion, many people would experience further hardship, not knowing where to turn, and at no time was this clearer than during the pandemic."