Guidance for social care employers on responding to racism
Date published:
The Department of Health has published guidance to support social care employers in identifying, preventing, and responding to incidents of racism in the workplace.
Guidance for Social Care Employers: Responding to Racism and Promoting Inclusion, which is aimed at all social care providers in Northern Ireland, has been developed by members of the Social Care Fair Work Forum, the Social Care Collaborative Forum, and representatives from racial minority communities.
It aims to provide practical advice and resources to help organisations prevent and respond to racism, promote inclusive practice, and support staff who may be affected by racist behaviour or discrimination.
There are just over 41,000 social care practitioners registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (Social Care Council), making it the largest workforce across the Health and Social Care system. This includes staff who are from overseas and from racial minority backgrounds. Approximately 17% of the social care workforce registered with the Social Care Council have declared themselves as being from outside the UK and Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Our Health and Social Care workforce is enriched because of the racial diversity within it, as is evident within the social care sector. This guidance outlines a framework for recognising, preventing, and responding to racism in all its forms, while promoting a culture where diversity is respected and inclusion is embedded.
“By implementing the strategies outlined in this guidance, social care employers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their staff and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.”
Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, said: “I would strongly encourage all social care providers to familiarise themselves with the guidance and to consider how it can be used within your organisation.
“Promoting anti-racist and inclusive practice is a shared responsibility across the social care system, and this guidance is designed to support you in this important work. I am grateful for your continued commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and person-centred care, and for the leadership you show in supporting a diverse and valued workforce.”
Pauline Shepherd, ihcp (Independent Health & Care Providers) Chief Executive, said: “We welcome publication of this important guidance which will be a valuable support to our members within the independent care home and home care sectors. ihcp worked in partnership with the Department and other key stakeholders in the development of this publication, with the ambition of fostering inclusive, tolerant and welcoming workplaces. ihcp fully supports a zero-tolerance approach to racism in all its forms.”
The guidance can be read in full here.
Notes to editors:
- The Social Care Workforce Strategy 2025-2035 identified the need for resources to support inclusive workplace practices, particularly for staff from overseas and racial minority backgrounds. Following the racially motivated attacks in 2024 and beyond, a working group was established to develop this guidance. The group included representatives from the Fair Work Forum, the Social Care Collaborative Forum and members from racial minority organisations.
- The Fair Work Forum is made up of representatives of employers, trade unions, government departments and other statutory agencies who are working together to influence priorities and policy regarding fair work in the social care sector in Northern Ireland.
- As of 6 January 2026, 68% of social workers and social care practitioners who had registered with the Social Care Council, had voluntarily declared their nationality. 7,361 registrants had declared themselves as being from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, from across 69 different countries. Of these, 115 are social workers and 7,246 are social care practitioners.
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