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Developing an anti-racism strategy

Developing an anti-racism strategy

Racial injustices and ingrained inequalities are apparent in society and evident in UK workplaces. To address the root causes of racial inequality (racism), employers need to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to workplace discrimination – as is required by the Equality Act 2010 – and commit to planned action. This guide outlines six principles (which build upon our initial call for an approach based on four key principles) to help organisations develop an action strategy to help end systemic racism and address racial inequalities at work. Race discrimination is illegal in the UK as per the Equality Act 2010. As such, employers must enact their policies if allegations of racial discrimination occur, while individuals are within their rights to raise a…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 23, 2021
Spotlight – Lessons for Living

Spotlight – Lessons for Living

“Where there are people, there will be problems, but there will also be potential” is a key part of Neil’s work. And that is precisely what this manual is all about – equipping practitioners from various professional disciplines to help people address their problems and realise their potential. Part One provides an extended essay on the nature and significance of problem solving to lay solid foundations of understanding. Part Two then offers guidance on using 101 problem-solving tools that can be used in a wide variety of circumstances. Available for purchase here or here
Dr Neil Thompson
February 9, 2021
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Avoid rumination

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Avoid rumination

When we experience powerful negative emotions, such as when we are grieving, upset, angry or disappointed, they can dominate our thinking for a while. We find it difficult to push them to the back of our mind and try to get past them. But normally we will do so sooner or later. However, what can happen sometimes is that we get locked into a cycle of negativity. We can ‘ruminate’. This means that we go over and over things in our mind; we find it difficult to stop coming back to what has hurt us. This is to be expected in the early aftermath of a difficult experience, but it can continue for weeks, months or even years, constantly sapping…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 9, 2021
Runnymede Trust – Our work

Runnymede Trust – Our work

Runnymede's projects and publication help build up a body of evidence on a wide range of areas that address key race equality challenges for public policy and public debate. A list of our most recent (since 2015) publications, while in the submenu you will find our work grouped by thematic or policy area. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
February 9, 2021
How virtual family group conferences have fared under Covid-19

How virtual family group conferences have fared under Covid-19

Family group conferences (FGCs) have been around in the UK since their introduction by Family Rights Group (FRG) and others in 1992 and they have been increasingly used in recent years for family-led planning in children and families’ social care. Whilst they are also used in adult services their major use still sits in children’s services. With Covid-19 came a number of challenges to FGC practice and services have often needed to be creative and resourceful in how they have met these challenges. Covid restrictions have meant that many FGC services have either had to stop working or significantly alter their practice. Many FGC staff have simply been redeployed, often as social workers or family support workers, in order to…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 9, 2021
How to help your team thrive at work

How to help your team thrive at work

When your team has more good days at work, so do you. And when you’re on top form, your team is more likely to thrive too. But something’s holding many of us back. Stress and poor mental well-being are among the leading causes of absence, presenteeism (people coming into work when they are ill) and leaveism (working during your time off) - none of which are good news for you or the people you manage. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these factors for many. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
February 9, 2021
Spotlight – How to Survive in Social Work

Spotlight – How to Survive in Social Work

Social work by its very nature is challenging and demanding work. But, in the current social, economic and political climate, it can prove extraordinarily difficult to keep your head above water. Written by two highly experienced social work professionals, this important book explores the significance of that context, offers guidance on how to survive despite it and even to aim for thriving within it. There are no easy answers, but there is much we can do to make sure that we are able to fulfil the potential and value of social work as a force for making our society a humane one without sacrificing our own health and well-being. Available for purchase here or here
Dr Neil Thompson
January 26, 2021
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Use reframing

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Use reframing

We all see the world in different ways, so my perspective may be different from yours. But what also happens is that people become comfortable with their way of seeing the world and can be reluctant to change it, even if such a change could actually improve their situation. ‘Reframing’ is the highly skilled process of helping someone see their situation from a different, more positive and empowering perspective. For example, if someone applies for a job, is interviewed but does not get the job, they may come to the conclusion that they were not good enough for that job and may be dissuaded from applying for similar jobs in future. However, helping them to see the situation differently (that…
Dr Neil Thompson
January 26, 2021