The Ally Model -
The Ally Model emphasises social justice, inclusion, and human rights by recognising the experiences of privileged and oppressed groups and acknowledging that an individual can be in multiple groups simultaneously. There is a range of literature on Allyship but essentially three key themes emerge in how we may become allies in practice:
• Self-reflection and analysis
• Education
• Action
Social work and allyship are not distinct roles. In fact, the characteristics of allies lie at the heart of anti-oppressive social work.
Self-reflection and analysis enables social workers to identify the strengths of others from all cultures, calling upon the self-examination, critical thinking, and cultural awareness skills that form the foundation for best practice.
Education and awareness are also vital to successful allyship in social work. This in turn enables social workers to be proactive in challenging structural and procedural oppressive ways of working.
Allyship and BASW -
BASW has committed to work in partnership, solidarity and allyship with other organisations and individuals to act against social injustice. On an individual level, social workers need to combat their personal biases to become aware of how their experiences with privilege and oppression impact the way they see the world and, in turn, the people and communities with whom they work. At a broader systems level, social workers can promote policy and social justice reform.
Building on our anti-racism statement and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion position paper, BASW has begun to take action!
Courses are detailed below. For corporate/block bookings, please email ProfDE@basw.co.uk to access discounted rates.
27.02.24 A Social Work Career when living with trauma from childhood
This online session delivered by Patricia Wennell is an opportunity to explore and discuss how a career in social work, when living with trauma from abuse in childhood, might be impacting on the worker and their wellbeing.
27th February 2025 10am - 12pm
2hrs CPD
BASW Member £22 + VAT (£26.40) Non Member £33 + VAT (£39.60)
For corporate/block bookings, please email ProfDE@basw.co.uk to access discounted rates.
Learning outcomes :-
Understanding how trauma from abuse in childhood can impact the adult.
Signs of a person living with trauma.
How might lived experience of childhood abuse enhance or challenge professional practice.
Touching on secondary trauma.
The dilemma of disclosure in the workplace.
Personal Responsibility for self care.
Employer duty of care.
Trainer bio:
Patricia took early retirement from social work to care for ageing relatives and take a much needed rest. Her entire career of 27 years was in Adult Social Care. When in direct practice Patricia worked in Mental Health, Substance Misuse, HIV/AIDS, Physical Disabilities and Older Peoples Services. Prior to entering management Patricia completed PQ Awards and enjoyed the Practice Educator Role. Since retiring she has published her first book ‘Because It Didn't Stop When It Ended’ a memoir about how therapy enabled her to work through the impact of abuse in childhood. Patricia is an active member of the Survivor Community participating in research which supports those living with trauma from abuse in childhood. She has recently been involved in an online training course with Tavistock and Portman (DAA019) as a person with lived experience. Her current project is a research paper to evidence the need for accessible long term, trauma informed therapy for adults who were abused in childhood. Patricia remains passionate about social work and the importance of self care especially for those with lived experience of childhood trauma.
Corporate multi booking rates available - contact ProfDE@basw.co.uk for details