Exploring the underrepresentation of Black women in social work management and leadership
A community conversation and PhD research presentation
Why are Black women still underrepresented in social work management and leadership? Join us for an important community conversation exploring race, gender, class, management, leadership, lived experiences and consider solutions for change. Together, we can build a more equitable future for social work.
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking community event exploring the experiences of Black women in social work management and leadership across the UK.
Despite making significant contributions to the social work profession, Black women remain underrepresented in senior management and leadership positions. This event presents the ongoing PhD research study examining the barriers, challenges and opportunities that shape management and leadership journeys within social work in the UK.
More importantly, this is an opportunity to bring communities, practitioners, students, leaders, educators and allies together to discuss how we can create more equitable, inclusive and representative management and leadership pathways.
What to Expect
- An accessible presentation of the PhD research study
- Discussion of race, gender, management, leadership and representation in social work
- Opportunities for reflection, discussion and networking
- A safe and respectful space for learning and dialogue
Why Attend?
This event is for anyone interested in:
- Social work and social justice
- Social work management, leadership and career progression
- Equity, Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Community empowerment and advocacy
- Supporting Black women’s management and leadership
- Creating positive change within organisations and communities
Whether you are a social worker, student, manager, academic, community member or ally, your voice and perspective are welcome.
Key Questions We Will Explore
Why are Black women underrepresented in social work management and leadership?
What barriers and challenges exist within organisations and systems?
How do race, gender and class intersect to shape professional experiences?
What can organisations do differently?
What would equitable management and leadership look like in practice?
About the researcher
Christina Channer is a PhD research candidate, whose research focuses on the underrepresentation of Black women in social work management and leadership in the UK. Christina is a Guest speaker at the University of Bedfordshire on the BA and MA Social Work Degree Programmes, Keynote speaker and International conference speaker sharing PhD research insights and strategic implications for organisational and institutional change. Christina provides specialist training for safeguarding professionals to support them to understand anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice.
Through this research, Christina seeks to amplify lived experiences, promote inclusive management and leadership, and contribute to meaningful organisational change.
Who should attend?
- Social workers
- Students and newly qualified practitioners
- Managers and leaders
- Educators and academics
- Community organisations
- Equity, Equality, diversity and inclusion professionals
- Researchers
- Anyone interested in social justice, management and leadership
Together We Can Create Change
This event is more than a presentation; it is an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and contribute to a conversation about equity, representation and the future of management and leadership in social work.
We look forward to welcoming you.
THIS EVENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!
This presentation will take place on Tuesday 16 June 2026 from 18:00 to 20:00.
This presentation will be held at The Black Cultural Centre Islington, 16–18 Hornsey Road, N7 7BT. Nearest tube station is Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line).
Admission will be FREE. Donations would be appreciated.
Reserve your FREE ticket here https://tinyurl.com/3m23v6ht
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES EARLY.
Places for this event are limited so if you are interested in attending please reply as soon as possible to acknowledge your place.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so don’t delay.
Please note that this event will be filmed and photographed for historical record and uploaded to the World Wide Web. By attending and participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be filmed and waiving any and all claims regarding the use of your image.