[영문]This paper concentrates on the issues of merit and diversity in social work. The principal focus is ethnic diversity, used as an example to illustrate a wider point about diversity. It is clear that ethnic diversity in particular has become a major political objective across the public sector as part of the ‘community cohesion’ initiative. Several benefits have been identified and linked to the achievement of ethnic diversity in the workforce; many of these have appeared in social work debate. The argument here is that while diversity has transformative potential, it must be located within a more radical agenda if it is to be successful. As a profession with a radical thread to its pedigree, social work is well placed to take this agenda forward.