Anti-Racist Practice

Race, racism and racial bias are powerful social factors in children’s lives but are not always explored in safeguarding practice. This can lead to missed risks and weaker professional responses for Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage children.

The Child Safeguarding Review Panel launched (May 2026) their website which includes a themed section on Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage children.

Other useful information and resources;

Cultural Competence: Practice guidance, awareness and advice in the context of safeguarding  - produced by Newcastle SAB and SCB provides useful and practical guidance on culturally competent practice. Summary of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s report on race, racism and safeguarding children – review by NSPCC  based on CSPRs to explore how race, racism, and racial bias influence how professionals identify, understand and respond to the safeguarding needs of Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage children and their families. Safeguarding children from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities | NSPCC Learning – guidance by NSPCC on Establishing anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices in social work Anti-racist practice in children’s safeguarding – Check Your Thinking – number of resources to promote and support anti-racist practice in children’s safeguarding. There is also useful 11 minute video on anti-racist practice - 11 minute video on anti-racist practice   Why intersectionality is vital to anti-discriminatory practice | Research in Practice - this is a blog which explains how overlapping inequalities shape risk and outcomes and why it is needed for effective anti-discriminatory practice. Pan Bedfordshire Multi-Faith Guidance The multi-faith guide provides safeguarding practitioners with an overview of different faiths, cultural practices, and beliefs to help them better understand families’ contexts and avoid misinterpretation when assessing risk. It emphasises the importance of respectful, culturally informed practice while maintaining a clear focus on identifying harm and safeguarding children.