Cultural Curiosity, Diversity & Inclusion Training for NQSWs
Part of BASW's Taught Skills Development Programme for Newly Qualified Social Workers
***Session for students & NQSWs only***
Delivered by BASW’s accredited training partner DCC-i via MS Teams.
Part 6 of 7 in BASW's Taught Skills Programme for NQSWs - click here to view the full series
You may pick and choose between topics, there is no need to attend all sessions. To discuss rates for block bookings of 5 or more delegates on any one session, please email ProfDE@basw.co.uk
Course Outline:
Cultural curiosity is more than recognising differences in race or religion, it involves recognising that we are all shaped by our experiences and are influenced by cultural norms and understanding. All our interactions and communications are interpreted via cultural filters, and it is an understanding of these and how they can impact on working in teams and groups that will be the focus of the day.
The course also explores how diversity is about more than just difference; looking at the use of power within our society and structures, how that power can prevent individuals and groups from accessing or engaging with support and services and our responsibilities in addressing power difference and tailoring our interventions to each unique person. The differences between equality and equity are explored and the importance of recognising structural bias in society that disproportionately disadvantage many individuals that have care and support needs – this includes all the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.
NQSW’s will be supported to consider their own unconscious bias, the inequalities that are present within our own profession and how they can address this in their own practice, giving consideration to the Equalities Act, the Human Rights Act and the Conventions that we are signatories to (EG UNCRPD). Social Work England undertook research in 2021 that indicated that a high proportion of NQSW’s experienced direct discrimination themselves, not only from service users but from colleagues. This course looks to empower NQSW’s/Students to ensure their own diversity needs are met and how to speak up and speak out if their own needs are not met
Learning Methods:
This training is delivered using an online interactive classroom approach and all delegates will be expected to take part to ensure an effective adult learning experience. Using whiteboards and breakout rooms, a combination of learning methods will be used throughout the day, including trainer presentation and group work in the form of case studies and reflection dilemmas to support application to practice.
Resources Required:
All delegates will need a laptop with a functioning mic and camera and a strong stable internet connection to allow effective participation. Laptops should have an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Where possible delegates should be using the MS Teams App, fully updated. Please note – for health and safety reasons it is not appropriate to access these courses from a mobile phone. Whilst tablets can be used; delegates will find a laptop/desktop is easier as functionality on tablets is still limited.
Learning Outcomes:
- This course will provide participants with the following learning outcomes:
- To increase understanding and awareness in relation to working with and alongside individuals from different cultural and social groups and how culture influences how we all experience and engage in professional interactions.
- To consider diversity as a power issue, how this might impact on health and social care practice and professional dynamics and to account for this in practice.
- To reflect on the cultural diversity within participants practice areas, and consider how this might impact on the individual, family and community and how they experience public services.
- To explore concepts of discrimination and oppression arising due to diversity issues. Including how organisational / professional cultures can impact on the experience of individuals working within and/or using public services.
- To be able to demonstrate an awareness of how experiences of discrimination and oppression can be internalised and impact on an individual’s emotional and environmental well-being and be able to recognise and seek support for our own diversity needs
- How to use legislative frameworks to positively empower marginalised members of society and use our professional values and ethics to ensure that Social Work practice upholds the rights of children and families
Programme Outline:
9.00 Log-in – Check your connection, camera & mic (the get a cuppa)
9.30 Introduction to the session and the tech
9.45 What do we mean be cultural curiosity and diversity?
• Defining the terms and issues.
• Understanding the frameworks.
• Making the links to our own experiences and practice.
11.10 COFFEE
11.30 Can we, should we adopt the lens of the individuals / families we work with?
• Ways of understanding the experience of others.
• Risks in attempting to view the world through the lens of another.
• Recognising and responding to our own bias.
• Using legislation and professional ethics as a framework for practice.
12.45 LUNCH
1.30 Communicating effectively about matters of uniqueness.
• Having challenging and uncomfortable conversations effectively.
• Thinking about the impact of language.
• Assumptions, presumptions and respectful uncertainty.
2.30 COFFEE
2.45 Meeting our own diversity needs as well as those of others.
• Identifying your own needs and their impacts.
• Sharing your needs with your manager and assessors.
• Raising concerns and asking for help.
4.15 Reflection and Review – learning points and next steps
4.30 CLOSE
The Trainer
Soyeb Aswat - Social Worker
(BIA/AMPH)
Soyeb is a Social Worker/BIA/AMHP and has worked in the health and social care sector for 25 Years. Soyeb has experience in working within Voluntary and Public Sector, with Young Carers, Fostering, Leaving Care and primarily in Mental Health. Soyeb is currently a Social Work lead for two large NHS Trusts. Soyeb is passionate about Social Work, its values and ethics and how the profession gives financial gain but most importantly spiritual gain and satisfaction, what could be better! Soyeb's area of expertise is mental health and working with cases where there are issues around culture/religion. Soyeb supervises qualified Social Workers but also supports Newly Qualified Social Workers and organises and facilitates training to support them to maintain their CPD. In addition to being part of the DCC-i training and development crew, Soyeb also delivers sessions his local university and facilitates research projects.