Birgit Forster

Birgit is originally from Germany, where she graduated as a social worker in 2001. She gained her first social work experience in Germany working with non-profit organizations mainly in the field of migration and asylum seekers.

In 2005 Birgit moved to the UK and has since worked as a socia worker with children and families in statutory settings. From 2005 to 2017 she was employed with local authorities in South London – Lambeth and Sutton – where she gained valuable experience in child protection, children in care and fostering.

In 2018 she moved to the West Midlands where she worked as a child protection conference chair and independent reviewing officer.

Since 2015 Birgit has supported students in practice placements and provided supervision for newly qualified social workers within the ASYE (Assessed and supported year of employment) Academy.

In 2017 Birgit graduated with a Master’s in professional education and training from Kingston University.

Since 2019 Birgit worked as a lecturer in higher education and joined Birmingham City University in November 2020.

Birgit is the module lead for equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice on the BSc (Hons) Social Work. She has a keen interest around social justice and anti-oppressive social work.

Being familiar with social work in Germany, Birgit also has an interest in international social work and is engaged in an international collaboration with the university of applied science Landshut/Germany where she graduated.