The Covid-19 Inquiry Report: Module One – Resilience and Preparedness | BASW England Statement

The BASW England Statement reflects on The Covid-19 Inquiry Report

BASW England acknowledges the publication of the first module report of the Covid-19 Inquiry, which examines resilience and preparedness. This report is crucial for understanding the UK's pandemic response and learning vital lessons for the future.

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed deep-seated inequalities in our society. The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group rightly emphasises the need to tackle health inequalities, racism, and chronic underfunding of public services. BASW England echoes these concerns and stresses the vital role of social work in advocating for justice, learning, and change to reduce preventable risks and promote safety and respect for all.

Lady Hallett’s report critically analyses the UK's preparedness for emergencies, aligning with many recommendations from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group. While the report addresses necessary structural changes, it must also tackle underlying issues like health inequalities and systemic underfunding. 

Social workers play a key role in disaster response and recovery, the book Out of the Shadows, edited by Angie Bartoli, Maris Stratulis, and Rebekah Pierre, highlights the significant contributions of UK social workers in disasters. This book shares poignant personal stories and reflections from social workers including during the pandemic, offering invaluable insights and best practices.

BASW England is committed to promoting the learning from Out of the Shadows and enhancing social work support for future disasters. We call on the government to implement the inquiry's recommendations and develop a comprehensive plan to address health inequalities and improve pandemic preparedness and to make haste with their plans to introduce a Hillsborough Law Now which would see the implementation of a duty of candour on all public servants.

BASW England will continue to advocate for better preparedness, resilience, and justice in our society, urging the government to work with us, bereaved families and survivors as well as other stakeholders.