Social work is a global profession founded on the principles of social justice and human rights. International and national associations promote social work as fighting to create systemic change -under the guiding principle that we leave no one behind.

What of those with histories of criminal justice involvement? The Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research estimate between 10.7 – 11.5 million people globally are incarcerated annually with 1 in 4 adults having a criminal conviction. Repeatedly research has shown gendered and racialised policing, sentencing and criminalisation stemming from complexities of trauma and politically targeted regimes. We accept this for those we work with, but do we when they attempt to become colleagues?

Matthew Epperson, a leading academic in the smart-decarceration movement in the US, underlines that those with lived experience of the criminal justice system must lead the restorative justice campaign. This idea is sensible, inclusive and embodies the vision of leaving no one behind.

It therefore stands true, if social work is to be restorative and inclusive – leaving no one behind – then this must include those working in the profession or seeking to do so. In turn, if social work values lived experience, this must include actively welcoming those with criminal justice involvement into our education programmes and workplaces. Those with lived experience of carceral systems have unique insider knowledge, ideal for the people social workers support and to provide ideas and vision on how to reform criminal justice systems.

Drawing on research and case examples from Australia, New Zealand and England, the panellists include academics and people with lived experience of criminal justice. The workshop will explore the conservative politicisation of social work education, professionalisation through registration, and social works’ role in recent active exclusion of people with criminal justice involvement from entering and growing within the profession.