BASW calls out 'insulting' remarks made by Kemi Badenoch
The comments made by Mrs Badenoch in The Telegraph heavily insinuated that social workers don't make big decisions in the course of their jobs, not only revealing poor understanding of the work that our profession does, but causing deep offence to the professionals working hard day in, day out to support and serve their communities.
Mrs Badenoch's dismissive tone and ill-judged language has been challenged by BASW Interim CEO, Prof. Sam Baron who has written directly to the MP urging her to meet with us to become better informed of the roles, functions and challenges facing social workers across the UK today.
Words matter. And as public figures, our politicians have a responsibility to use their platform to portray our profession accurately and fairly. That doesn't mean we're immune from criticism. But it does mean that we shouldn't be hastily used in throwaway comments to score cheap political points.
Social workers do serious, life-saving work that deserves respect, recognition and admiration from our political leaders. From child protection, to mental health, adult safeguarding, and so much more. Our members uphold safeguards and rights for the most vulnerable and at risk people in our communities. Regrettably, they have often done so on a backdrop of under-funded public services, the result of years of austerity policies promoted by successive Conservative governments.
These are all points Prof. Baron has made to Mrs Badanoch in our letter, and we hope she will take us up on our offer of a meeting to discuss further. We're ready and willing.
You can download the full letter below.
