Anti-Discriminatory Practice
Part of the SSSC Practice Learning Qualification suite of learning objects.
Many courses and awards focusing on working with people require the learner to develop awareness of their ethics and values and how these influence their direct practice. As working with people requires an awareness of a wide range of people’s circumstances and life experiences – which might differ considerably from that of the learner – an important aspect of learning is about “difference” and about how “difference” can lead to discrimination and disadvantage in service provision. Most professions have a “Code of Practice” within which workers are required to ensure that they do not discriminate. Within these Codes it is clear that there are no hierarchies of discrimination, that is, no form of discrimination is more important than another. Working in a way that actively combats discrimination and oppression is one means of achieving social justice for service users (Parrott, L. 2006, Values & Ethics in Social Work Practice, Learning Matters – Chapter 2 Anti-oppressive practice)
It is important, therefore to learn about all experiences of discrimination and to ensure that learners are familiar with a range of situations in which discrimination can occur. Therefore learning what this means, why discrimination leads to disadvantage and how it can be avoided are all crucial parts of learning within courses and awards.
This learning object is designed to help you consider the “what”, “why” and “how” of this aspect of your practice in working with people.
This resource is focused on working at SCQF levels 9 and 10, however there is material which can be used for SCQF levels 7 and 11 too. You are free to use the material in anyway you wish.

