London Borough of Lewisham is demonstrating what it means to centre equity, inclusion and lived experience in every part of children’s services practice

Through a strong focus on anti-racist culture, the borough is showing how leadership, collaboration and safe spaces can create lasting cultural and organisational change.

At the heart of this work is the Anti-Racist Practice Network, originally set up by Karen Morgan in response to the murder of George Floyd. The network provided a safe space for staff from Black and global majority backgrounds to speak openly about racism and discrimination, both in the workplace and in their work with families. It quickly became a platform for both support and action.

From this foundation, a wider anti-racist practice framework was co-developed by Karen Morgan, Sara Taylor and Julia Stennett. The framework is now embedded into the ethos of children’s services, with full support from senior leaders including the borough's Director of Children’s Services, Lucie Heyes, and Pinaki Ghoshal, Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services.

Below, the LSWC team spoke to Karen Morgan and Sophia Wilson from Lewisham about how anti-racist practice is being embedded at every level. Their reflections highlight the uncomfortable, yet vital, conversations that need to be had when committing  to create a safer, more equitable working environment.

Lewisham’s leadership recognised early on that change requires more than good intentions. They commissioned anti-racist leadership training from the Tavistock for all senior leaders in children’s services, helping to build confidence, language and accountability when responding to racism and discrimination. This training complemented a strong grassroots movement and ensured staff concerns would not be minimised or avoided.

The approach has been proactive and sustained. Dedicated thinking spaces and reflective sessions allow staff to explore the trauma linked to racism. Conversations around terminology, identity and impact have opened new pathways for understanding. Mentoring, emotional support and regular opportunities for feedback have all contributed to a culture of openness and safety.

Crucially, anti-racist principles have been embedded into core social work frameworks, including Lewisham’s use of Signs of Safety. This means the approach isn’t confined to a single initiative but is felt in everyday practice with families.

The impact has been widely recognised. In the borough's last inspection, Ofsted praised the “exemplary anti-racist practice network and safe space platform”, noting how Lewisham has supported Black and global majority staff. Inspectors also highlighted how this culture is being led from the top, with senior leaders modelling the behaviours needed to embed change.

Survey data collected last year shows the strength of this ongoing cultural shift:

  • 87% of children’s social care staff are aware of Lewisham’s anti-racist work
  • 72% describe the department as anti-racist and inclusive
  • 76% feel they are making a positive difference in families’ lives

This work remains a long-term priority. With a workforce made up primarily of Black and global majority staff, leaders have committed to continuing this journey of learning and improvement.

Karen and Sophia from Lewisham were invited to share this work at the Practice Spotlight marketplace exhibition during the 2025 London Children’s Services Summit. In a packed Guildhall, leaders and practitioners from across the capital came together to explore how relational, inclusive practice can be championed across services.

About Practice Spotlight

Practice Spotlight shines a light on the most innovative and impactful work happening across London’s Children’s Services. Led by the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA), the initiative drew over 100 submissions across 9 themes:

  • Racial equity
  • Impact for children with special educational needs and disabilities
  • Building safety for young Londoners
  • Supporting and strengthening the workforce
  • Delivering excellence for care leavers
  • Improving outcomes for children with complex needs who are in care or on the edge of care
  • Delivering together with health services
  • Making data speak for London’s children
  • Delivering positive impact through early intervention

Explore social work opportunities in Lewisham below and see how culture change, compassion and accountability are helping transform outcomes for children and families.

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