Social Work Within Hostile Environments | What are the experiences of Global Majority/Minoritised Black and ethnic social workers in England today?

In response to feedback and growing concern from BASW members, BASW England is hosting a series of three interactive webinars that will explore the increasing levels of hostility and polarisation within our communities, across England and internationally. Developed in collaboration with BASW members, these sessions will provide a supportive and reflective space where participants can share experiences, learn from the latest research, and engage in meaningful discussion. Together, we will explore practical resources, strategies, and approaches for challenging oppression, addressing hostility, and strengthening inclusive and respectful practice.

In this second webinar in the series, we welcome guest speaker Dr Carlene Cornish. The session will explore the professional experiences of Global Majority/ Minoritised Black and ethnic social workers facing anti-immigration and anti-asylum hostilities on the front line. Recently, they must navigate threatening and real dangers in communities where St George’s flags are raised outside homes. Yet not much is known about the practical implications of delivering social work services by minoritised ethnic practitioners in hostile immigration contexts. This webinar sheds light on this urgent matter, inviting you to participate in a discussion of shared experiences and ways to influence strategic work priorities that establish culturally sensitive, friendly, and positive work environments.

Dr Carlene Cornish

Carlene is an Associate Professor in Social Work and Director of Portfolio and Recruitment in the School of Education, Social Work, Sociology, and Sport at the University of East Anglia (UEA). She is a registered social worker with Social Work England and affiliated with the British Association for Social Workers (BASW). Originally from South Africa, Carlene has both national and international academic and professional qualifications in Social Work, Criminology, Sociology and Education. These qualifications led to employment in Child Protection, Youth Offending Service, National Probation Service and Higher Education. Carlene’s research journal articles, and book publication include a specialist focus on Race, Racism, Social Work, and Educational Inequalities. She holds external strategic leadership positions including being the nominated UK Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work Council Member, BASW International Committee Chair, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Co-opted Policy Governance Committee Member. Link to Carlene’s book https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/breaking-through-racial-bar… Link to Carlene’s UEA staff page and publications: https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/carlene-cornish