Beverley Burke
Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University
Philomena Harrison
Senior Lecturer, Liverpool Hope University
Andrea Newman
Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University
Katrina Igbinovia
Research Practitioner & Student, Liverpool John Moores University
Listen to Andrea explain more about the research project:
Title: From Student to Practitioner: Race, Racism and Social Work. Phase 1
This research focused on the experiences and perspectives of ‘BAME’ (Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic) social work students and practitioners within the Cheshire and Merseyside Teaching Partnership (CMSWTP) area as they navigate their journeys within social work programmes and the social work profession.
The aim of the research was to explore the lived experiences of ‘BAME’ students and practitioners of social work education and practice and make policy and practice recommendations to the CMSWTP.
During the first phase of the research, focus groups and individual interviews informed by anti-racist and anti-oppressive research principles were used to facilitate the dialogue with students and practitioners. Our analysis of the rich narratives shared with us during this process evidenced very clearly how individual and institutional racism traumatically and devastatingly impacted on the learning experiences of students, as well as the working experiences of practitioners.
The initial findings of this first phase of the research very clearly indicated that it was important for ‘BAME’ students, and practitioners to be provided with a safe space where they could discuss issues that were important to them. Engaging in these discussions, regarding their lived experience and perspectives of race and racism within social work was also a positive experience for the participants. They put forward several ideas as to how changes could be made. The outcomes of this phase of the research informed the aims and objectives of the second phase of the research which was funded by the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR).
Partner: LJMU and LHU
Identified Lead: Andrea Newman, Beverley Burke and Philomena Harrison
Contact info: a.newman@ljmu.ac.uk