Social Workers with Tattoos

For many people, the subject of tattoos provokes a Marmite reaction.

In the past four decades, tattoos have done the rounds - from statement rockers, to celtic band-loving pop fans, to...well, pretty much everybody else. But while tattoos were once considered as having absolutely no place in the professional arena, we’re now seeing a serious shift in attitude when it comes to body art. So is it acceptable for social workers to have tattoos?

“I certainly experiences professional and personal bias due to my 'alternative looks' over the years," says Tilia Lenz.

Tilia is a Senior Lecturer of Social Work and CPD at Bournemouth University, who began working as a frontline social worker in 2006.

“Today though, tattoos and body art are not just for the perceived outsiders of society, but are adorned by many professionals, and employer’s views and attitudes are changing.

“As a social worker, the ‘use of self’ is the most important tool in practice, and my appearance has opened more doors than it’s closed.

“Now I see many social work students with body art, who will further push back dated views and, hopefully, make our world more colourful and accepting.”

@DavetheCareBear: 'Social workers/trainees/social work employers...Visible tattoos (face, neck, hands) what are your thoughts??'

@socialworktutor ‘Some of the best social workers I’ve ever worked with have had visible tattoos. They often prove as an ice breaker and interesting conversation point when working with clients.’

@yyhas ‘Makes no difference to me! I interview student social workers for degree programmes and interview qualified social workers for permanent positions, tattoos would not influence or impact my views/decision making, as long as appropriate/not offensive! I’ve met many good SWs with visible tattoos!’

@poisonpinkdaisy ‘I have a number of tattoos, none visible with sleeves, but I don’t make a point of covering them. I’ve never had a problem from the people I’ve worked alongside...many dubious looks from other ‘professionals’. I was once asked to cover them. I politely declined.’

@darrenmccourt ‘A large proportion of service users will have tattoos so I think it can help create a common ground. Offensive or rude clearly exempt. I have a quarter sleeve and the children at times colour my stars with pens.’

@hsumersford ‘I have one small one and have been flirting for years to get one on my inside forearm, but was worried about how it would be perceived, as I knew I wanted to be a social worker.’

@traceyJ9239748 ‘I think they tell the story of that person’s life, warts and all.’

@84kris ‘I have visible tattoos...a sleeve and a bunch on my back going all up my neck which you see with most tops I wear. I don’t think it’s the issue it once was!’

@twinklesea0 ‘I’ve a visible tattoo and never had issue raised with it. The best manager I ever had had two full sleeves, bald head, massive beard, and drove a Harley Davidson. I’ve known social workers with piercings, all manner of hair colours, etc. No issues ever arose.’@

bethlaar ‘I have visible tattoos on my forearms and wrists and I love having them on show! It just shows the people we work with that we too are human.’

@caustin131 ‘I have a fair few that are visible on my arms and calf. I never had any issues with them whilst working in social care, however, when I worked in a school there was some negative reaction from management.’

@duane_phillips_ ‘I think my point of view is similar to police policy. “You should not have tattoos which could be considered discriminatory, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent, intimidating, or offensive”.’

@davearossiter ‘Given the political (big and small p) nature of LA work when you reach upper echelons, I can imagine it limiting options in senior management. Might even be a correlation between majority party and likelihood of promotion.’