Developed on behalf of the SSSC by the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) in collaboration with the Social Work Anti-Racism Advisory Group, the resource will allow social workers to learn and reflect on how to embed anti-racism into social work practice.
Each of the four modules provide opportunities for individual learning including reflective exercises and include group exercises with facilitator guidance and suggestions on how to use them.
The modules are:
- Process of change
- Racism and allyship in the work environment
- Team culture and effective challenge
- Leading and embedding anti-racism.
Welcoming the resource
SSSC Chief Executive, Maree Allison said:
‘We are committed to embedding an anti-racist culture within the social work sector and we are proud to have signed up to the Anti-Racism Action Plan for the Social Work Sector.
‘We hope this learning resource is a step towards addressing the gap in available learning and ensuring that social workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to embed anti-racism in their practice.
Scottish Government Chief Social Work Adviser, Iona Colvin said:
‘This new learning resource marks a significant step forward in our collective commitment to address racism in social work.
‘By confronting uncomfortable truths and equipping practitioners with the tools to challenge systemic inequality, we are strengthening the profession and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
‘I am proud that the Scottish Government has supported this work and I encourage all social workers to engage with the modules, reflect and actively apply the learning in their practice. Be part of the change – your leadership and action are essential!’
Statement on behalf of the Social Work Anti-Racism Oversight Group:
‘The Anti-Racism Oversight Group welcomes the launch of this important learning resource, commissioned by the Group and funded by the Scottish Government. We thank the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) for developing the modules, and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for publishing the materials. We are grateful to all the organisations represented on the Anti-Racism Oversight Group – for their valuable input and support to drive forward active anti-racism in social work.
Promoting the use of this learning resource is the collective responsibility of the social work sector – for it to work, organisations must champion its adoption, and social workers must be given the necessary support to apply the learning in practice. Together, we are accountable for shaping the anti-racist social work profession we are committed to building.’
Background to the resource
The Scottish Government published the first Anti-racism Action Plan for the Scottish Social Work Sector in August 2025. Developed by the Social Work Anti-Racism Oversight Group, of which SSSC is a member, the plan outlines practical steps towards embedding anti-racism across Scotland’s social work sector.
The plan's Strategic Outcome 2: Foster Anti-racist Workplace Cultures, calls for career-long learning opportunities to embed anti-racist training at all levels of social work practice and education.
On the same day IRISS published the First National Survey on Anti-racism in Social Work on behalf of the Oversight Group.
It presents the results of a national survey on attitudes and experiences of racism across the social work profession in Scotland commissioned by the Scottish Government. The survey findings directly inform the action plan and serve as a baseline for measuring progress over time, with a commitment to repeat the survey every two years. Findings include a discrepancy between the perception of racism and its impact between those who identify as White/Ethnic Majority and those who identify as Minority Ethnic. Those who consider themselves Minority Ethnic, identify a greater need for increased anti-racism in social work.
Among the recommendations for improved communication and reporting systems, consistency and shared responsibility, the survey report calls for increased training and education on anti-racism, which is specifically relevant to social work. This was one of the highest-ranking priorities for respondents.