We need more diversity in children's workforce

The latest set of workforce data published in February by the Department for Education shows that 17 per cent of the 31,720 children and family social workers employed by councils identified as being of black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) heritage, while two-thirds are white (see Analysis). A significant caveat to the data is that 5,392 children's social workers - 17 per cent of the total - refused to submit information, or data wasn't collected.

Race and ethnicity is, of course, a sensitive issue and some practitioners perhaps believe it is irrelevant to how they do their job. Why does it matter? The Association of Directors of Children's Services says it is important that the workforce - both in frontline and senior positions - "reflects the communities with whom it works". The association's recent workforce report says this can help improve relationships between practitioners and children and families, and inspire those from under-represented backgrounds to pursue a career in children's services.