Our conference explores the intersections of discrimination and disadvantage that shape individual and group experience. It offers a reflective space to learn about and engage with the race conversation in a deeper feeling way.
The conference will be a hybrid event, both online and in person in London. However you choose to join us, apart from our interesting and engaging keynote speakers, there will be opportunities to connect in small facilitated discussion groups to reflect on and talk about what you have heard. There will be opportunities to respond to the speakers during panel sessions convened by our conference chairs.
Our online event will be held on Zoom where we will warmly welcome anyone unable to travel to London for the in-person event.
The conference will take place at Resource for London, N1. Those joining us in person will be receive a warm welcome, refreshments throughout the day and a hot vegetarian/vegan lunch.
The GAPS National Conference is open to Social Work Practitioners, Students and Educators. GAPS members and non-members are welcome. Attending in person is FREE to GAPS members and £28 to non-members. Those paying £28 will receive a year’s free membership of GAPS which includes a hard-copy and online subscription to the Journal of Social Work Practice.
Our Keynote Speakers

Eugene Ellis
Eugene Ellis is a writer and public speaker on issues of race, difference and intersectionality. He is a psychotherapist and has worked for many years with severely traumatised children and their families in the field of adoption. Eugene is also the founder of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN), a network of therapists committed, passionate and actively engaged in addressing the psychological needs of Black, African and South Asian people in the UK. Recently, Eugene became a UKCP Honorary Fellow. His book, ‘The Race Conversation: An essential guide to creating life-changing dialogue’, explores the intersection of race and trauma, the non-verbal communication of race and how we might navigate oppressive patterns.

Claudia Bernard
Claudia Bernard is a Professor of Social Work in the Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. Claudia is a qualified social worker, has worked in local authority children and families social work, and has retained this interest in her research and teaching. Claudia joined Goldsmiths in 1994 and previously held a lectureship at the university of Portsmouth.
Claudia’s general interests lie in the areas of social work with children and families, gender-based violence, critical race theory, equalities and social justice. Her recent book, Intersectionality for Social Workers – A Practical Introduction to Theory and Practice, explores how intersectionality theory can be applied to social work practice with children and families, older people and mental health service users, and used to engage with diversity and difference in social work education and research.





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