Video: Seminar – Social Work – The futures we want – University of Bath

In the build up to World Social Work day 2017 earlier this month, this evening seminar brought together a panel of eminent speakers from within the field of social work to discuss these contemporary issues affecting the profession. The seminar explored the challenges and opportunities for social work, across policy, practice and research.

Social work is a profession that is committed to social justice. It seeks to promote the economic, political and social rights of often the most marginalised and disadvantaged people. In communities across the globe, it is social work practitioners who are safeguarding the vulnerable and providing opportunities for people to fulfil their potential. However, there are challenges to this most vital of professions as it is operating against a backdrop of growing inequality, widening social divisions and declining welfare provision.

Programme included:

• Introduction and Welcome: Professor David Galbreath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Dr Ruth Allen, Chief Executive, British Association of Social Work
• ‘Reimagining Social Work and Research’: Professor Ian Shaw, University of York
• ‘Social Work in the U.S.: Working in an Unexpected Time’: Professor Anna Scheyett (pictured), Dean of Social Work, University of Georgia
• Discussion: Chaired by Emeritus Professor Nick Gould, University of Bath