Can social work save communities and democracy?

Information

In partnership with the Cross-Party Group on Social Work 

Democracy goes beyond voting. People need meaningful control over daily life and to be able to participate in their communities. Join the panel to explore how social work can help communities overcome the barriers of poverty, disability and discrimination that exclude many from participating fully in the decisions that affect their own lives and shape their communities. We'll examine how local activism can revitalise communities and ask whether social work is playing the role it should be. Join frontline workers, activists and policy experts as we envision inclusive democracy embedded in society. 

Chair: Fulton MacGregor MSP, Convener, Cross-Party Group on Social Work 

Panellists: 

Dr Joe Hanley is a lecturer in social work at The Open University, based in England but supporting students throughout the UK. His research primarily focuses on contemporary policy analysis and understanding the networks that drive that policy. Joe's work frequently highlights the importance of activism and dissent.

Caroline McKinnon started as a skill seeker working in housing and social care until she qualified as a social worker. Caroline is now a team leader in Drumchapel, Glasgow, as well as being co-chair with the Scottish Association of Social Work and a council member with the British Association of Social Workers.

Vivien Thomson practiced as a social worker for over 30 years before joining Social Work Scotland, with roles spanning early years to alternative care, management and service development. She is a homelessness/substance charity trustee, child protection adviser and undertakes international work in Europe and Central Asia.