Let's Talk Social Work

After 93 episodes, Andy McClenaghan is moving on from hosting Let's Talk Social Work. Following a short break, the podcast will return in the autumn and will be hosted by BASW's Jonny Adamson. In this episode, Andy is joined by Jonny to discuss the past four and a half years making Let's Talk Social Work. They explore standout episodes, key learning points, topics that Andy didn't get to cover, and what big issues might feature on the podcast over the coming years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode has been made to celebrate World Social Work Day 2025, the theme of which is ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing'. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Professor Cecilia Bailliet, United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, and friend of the podcast Janet Walker, Professor Emeritus of International Social Work at the University of Lincoln and Chair of the British Association of Social Workers International Committee. During their conversation they explore what international solidarity means and it's place in the context of human rights. The discussion examines threats to international solidarity and opportunities for its promotion, and looks at the role of social work in advancing international solidarity as key component of efforts to uphold human rights and work towards social justice.In the episode Celia refers to the International Solidarity Map for Peace and Human Rights. This article from the UN Chronicle explains more about why the map was created. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 91 Andy McClenaghan is joined by Abigail Gagen, Emily Hindle and Angie Button to discuss how dementia affects people's lives and explore how social workers and social care workers can meet the needs of people with dementia and their families.Emily is Policy Manager with the Alzheimer's Society and Abi is a social worker who works as a Team Manager at North Yorkshire Council and is also a member of BASW England's Adults Social Work Thematic Group. Angie is Operational Social Work Lead at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of the BASW England Social Workers in Health Group. During the conversation reference is made to the Alzheimer's Society report Because we're human too and the blog Someone to Safeguard by social worker, Rob Mitchell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of Let's Talk Social Work of 2025 Andy McClenaghan is joined by Chair of the British Association of Social Workers, Julia Ross, Chair of BASW's Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee, Annie Ho and Co-Chair of the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers, Glynis Berry to discuss the potential change in the law for England and Wales which would legally permit people to seek assistance to end their own lives.On 16 October 2024, the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater presented the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to Parliament. On 29 November MPs debated the legislation and the outcome was 330 MPs voted in favour of the Bill and 275 MPs opposed it, allowing the legislation to proceed to the next parliamentary stage.The conversation doesn't explore arguments for and against allowing terminally ill people to end their own lives. What it does is examine the implications for social work practice that would arise if the legislation, in its current form were to become law. The discussion also examines the state of palliative care services in the UK as this is an issue closely linked to the debate around assisted dying. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, made to mark Human Rights Day 2024, Andy and his guests explore the issue of brain injury and how social workers can best support people with a brain injury to ensure their rights are upheld. Social workers who work with individuals affected by brain injury need to have a clear understanding of the condition in order to provide effective support. This includes recognising the medical, psychological, social, and legal implications of brain injury, as well as the ways in which it can impact daily life.Joining Andy to discuss social work and brain injury are Dr Caroline Bald, Kate Mellor and Steph Grant.Caroline is Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Essex and is Research Fellow on the Heads Together project. Heads Together is National Institute for Health and Care Research funded collaboration across universities in the UK, exploring brain injury social work education. Along with Caroline, Kate is also a social worker. Kate splits her time between practicing as an Independent Social Worker and Case Manager and working as a Hospital Liaison Facilitator with Headway Sussex, an organisation which offers reablement and support opportunities for people with an acquired brain injury, and their family carers. An expert by experience, Kate has an acquired brain injury. Steph is also an expert by experience and lives with an acquired brain injury. He is a member of the Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust lived experience research partnership and is Chair of the Head Injury and Homelessness Research Group.For further information on brain injury and social work please register with biswg.co.uk for news on the launch of the first UK brain injury e-learning platform including teaching resources, lived experience stories and resources for working with families.The Brainkind report, Too Many To Count, mentioned in the discussion is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK is a richly diverse society and social workers will frequently work with children, families and individuals whose cultural heritage differs from their own. As we have discussed many times on the podcast, social work is a relationship-based profession and it is difficult to form good relationships without being open to understand the values and traditions which shape another person's worldview and approach to life. It's also important to recognise that social workers and social work students arriving in the UK from overseas may face barriers and may benefit from support to adjust to some things which people who are born in the UK take for granted. With all this in mind, this episode explores the concept of cultural capability in social work, examining what the concept means and the extent to which cultural capability is attainable. Joining Andy to discuss cultural capability are social workers Michael Nwoye, Chloe Hubert and Uche Odunze.Michael and Chloe work for the organisation, Children and Families Across Borders—CFAB for short. Michael is an Inter-Country Social Worker and Chloe works in CFAB's Post Placement Support Project. Uche is a newly qualified social worker who during her time studying at the University of Chichester, co-wrote a guide for other international students on adjusting to life in the UK.Children and Families Across Borders have developed a Cultural Family Life Library, a suite of guides for social workers introducing them to the history and culture of families from Romanian, Jamaican and Nigerian heritage. The Library can be accessed here and further guides will be published in the months to come.CFAB is also offering online training on Culturally Inclusive Practice: Essential Skills for Social Workers on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Click here to find out more about the half day event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Andy and his guests discuss Artificial Intelligence in social work. They explore the concept from three angles—how might AI play a role in social care in terms of direct support for people who use services, how might it assist social workers in their practice and finally, how is AI being used in the education of social workers. The discussion focuses on how AI is already helping, how it may help further, and what issues must be considered in terms of the ethics and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence.Joining Andy are social workers Tommy Henderson-Reay, Digital Engagement Programme Manager at NHS England's Digitising Social Care Programme, Julia Ross, Chair of BASW UK and author of the novel, The Laughing Robot, and Dr Paul Best, Director of the Centre for Technological Innovation in Mental Health and Education at Queen's University Belfast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode back after the summer break we discuss the experiences of Indigenous People, exploring issues of resilience and social justice and examining lessons for social work. Helping Andy to explore this incredibly important issue are Professor Hilary Weaver and Professor Janet Walker. Hilary is Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, the Indigenous Commissioner for the International Federation of Social Workers, and the Board Chair of the United States Council on Social Work Education. She is has written on a variety of issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, including social policy, health and well-being, intergenerational trauma, education and environmental justice. Hilary is Lakota and has lived much of her adult life in Haudenosaunee territory in Western New York. Janet is Professor Emeritus of International Social Work at the University of Lincoln and Chair of the British Association of Social Workers International Committee. During the conversation several documents are referred to. They are:The International Federation of Social Work statement on International Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024The Council on Social Work Education Statement of Accountability and Reconciliation for Harms Done to Indigenous and Tribal PeoplesThe Council on Social Work Education Teaching Guide: Repairing Harms Done to Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy gives a quick update on our summer break, when we'll be back in September and the topics we've covered this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last episode of the podcast before we take a break for the summer, Andy and guests have an opportunity to reflect on the outcome of the UK general election and explore what the changed political landscape will mean for adult social care in England, reflecting on potential impacts for social workers and people who use services. Andy is joined by Vice Chair of BASW England and Co-Chair of its Adult Thematic Group, Jackie Mahoney, BASW UK Council member and Expert by Experience, Mark Lynes, and BASW England's Policy & Campaigns Officer, Josh Dixon.The episode begins with reflections on the changed political landscape and touches on BASW's campaign to remove the Universal Credit two-child limit. The conversation then switches to focus on priority issues in adult social care in England and the importance of coproduction and meaningful involvement of experts by experience in the design of adult social care services. Mark's contribution to the discussion on coproduction was itself coproduced and he wishes to thank his colleague, Omar Mohammed for his support.The conversation concludes with a discussion about the need for investment in increasing the amount of good-quality social housing in the UK and BASW's call for on-going investment in specialist and supported housing.The BASW 2024 general election manifesto referenced in the discussion is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, number 84 in our series, Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss Operation Encompass—a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.Andy is joined by founders of Operation Encompass, David Carney-Haworth OBE and Elisabeth Carney-Haworth OBE, and social worker James Draper. James is Designated Officer for Child Protection at the Northern Ireland Education Authority. Together they explore the benefits of the project along with the merits and challenges of multi-agency working.Operation Encompass launched in February 2011 and it is conservatively estimated that over 1.5million children have been supported as a result. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore reflective supervision—what it is, how it can benefit social workers by improving their wellbeing and job satisfaction, and ultimately, how it can improve practice.The Social Workers Union, in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University has recently published a best practice guide on reflective supervision which you can access here. John McGowan, General Secretary of the Social Workers Union, Professor Jermaine Ravalier from Buckinghamshire New University, and Social Worker Chrissie Beatty who works for BCP Council join Andy McClenaghan for an in-depth discussion about reflective supervision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined by Bekah Pierre and Alice Spencer to discuss the wonderful anthology—Free Loaves on Fridays. Free Loaves on Fridays is a collection of stories and essays, poems, reflections and open letters, detailing the lives of care experienced people. It is a special work—bursting with humanity. As diverse as the experiences of its contributors, the anthology viscerally details pain and trauma, while celebrating the life changing impacts of love and acceptance in foster and adoptive families, and the transformative potential of child-centred, relationship-based, trauma-informed social work.Both Bekah and Alice have experience of living in care and contributed chapters to the book. Bekah also edited the anthology.It is available now, published by Unbound. You can buy a copy here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School social work is long established in the USA but in its infancy in Northern Ireland. This episode examines the nature of school social work with a view to learning from the discipline in the United States and exploring how this understanding can be applied to the emerging practice in Northern Ireland. Andy is joined by Robert Lucio, Associate Professor and Online Program Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work, Chair of the NASW School Social Work Section Committee and a Board Member of the School Social Work Association of America, Orlaith McGibbon, Independent social worker and Chair of the British Association of Social Workers Northern Ireland, and school social worker Charlene Hill based at St Ronan's College in Lurgan.During discussion about approaches to assessing the impact of school social work, reference is made to the Social Workers in Schools (SWIS) Trial conducted in England between September 2020 and July 2022. The project report and evaluation can be accessed here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following our last episode exploring the BASW UK General Election Manifesto, we examine the issue of poverty and what needs to change to improve the circumstances of millions of people across the UK. Comprising two sections, first Andy is joined by friend of the podcast, social worker and anti-poverty campaigner, Dominic Watters, and Director of Policy, Research and Impact at the Trussell Trust, Helen Barnard. They discuss the scale of foodbank use across the UK and consider the specific challenges facing unpaid carers and care experienced people. In the second section, Andy speaks with BASW UK Chair, Julia Ross about why she has placed campaigning to challenge the impacts of poverty and the factors which cause poverty at the heart of her priorities as she leads the Association.During the discussion Dominic refers to the Food Foundation report, Food insecurity among single parent families. You can access it hereBASW's General Election Manifesto outlines the Association's anti-poverty, housing and mental health asks mentioned by Julia.You can access the Trussell's Trust's various briefing papers here (the papers are at the bottom of the page). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A general election is coming. When it will be, no one is quite sure, but what we do know is what needs to change to improve situations for social workers and the people who use social work services. This is the focus of this episode of Let's Talk Social Work as Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss the asks outlined in the British Association of Social Workers 2024 General Election Manifesto.Joining Andy are Kerri Prince, BASW's Public and Political Affairs Lead, and Martin Sexton, outgoing Chair of BASW's Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee.The conversation centres around the five manifesto asks BASW is prioritising. They are:Scrap the two-child limit and benefit capRepeal the 2023 Illegal Migration ActIncrease the non-taxable mileage rate allowance to 60p a mileThe need for a new mental health ActThe reform of social work student bursariesThere are forty asks in total in the manifesto. You can read them all here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With independence comes opportunities as well as risks. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Independent social workers Michelle Strain, Jo Fox and Gareth McGibbon to explore the benefits as well as the costs of stepping out and practicing as an Independent social worker.They discuss the variety of roles Independent social workers undertake, how to maintain a healthy work life balance when you are your own boss, the challenges of marketing yourself, how to ensure sufficient peer support, and keeping up to date with developments in practice and regulatory requirements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A first for Let's Talk Social Work, Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss the benefits of coaching in social work. The conversation explores what coaching is and how engaging in coaching can be an opportunity to receive support and guidance, develop skills and navigate career paths, and how it is a helpful way to engage in self-reflection. As well as looking at what coaching is, the discussion examines what it isn't, exploring how it differs from counselling or psychotherapy. The episode also explores who can benefit from coaching and how to get involved.Joining Andy are professional coaches Tinu Ashaye, Keith Dyer and Kate Cuthbertson. Tinu, Keith and Kate are all social workers who between them have a wealth of practice experience. Kate also oversees BASW's Social Work Professional Support Service, which is discussed in detail during the episode.For more information on BASW's Social Work Professional Support Service, please visit the BASW website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If health has stopped improving it is a sign that society has stopped improving.”These are the words of Professor Sir Michael Marmot in the report Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years on.In this special episode of Let's Talk Social Work, made to celebrate World Social Work Day 2024, Andy McClenaghan and guests, Sir Michael Marmot and Dr Ruth Allen, explore how poverty, inequality and social disadvantage impact health outcomes, life expectancy and quality of life. Sir Michael is a world-renowned expert on public health, Director of the Institute for Health Equity and author of The Health Gap: the challenge of an unequal world, and Status Syndrome: how your place on the social gradient directly affects your health. Ruth is the Chief Executive of the British Association of Social Workers. Ruth has had a long career in the field of mental health social work and prior to joining BASW was Director of Social Work at South West London & St Georges' Mental Health NHS Trust.Although poverty is an issue that has been discussed a number of times on the podcast, as so many of the problems which social workers support people to address are rooted in or exacerbated by poverty, we haven't previously looked at the social determinants of health and the extent to which inequality affects health outcomes. There are no guests better placed to discuss the social determinants of health and their relevance to social work policy and practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dignity, respect, empowerment: adult safeguarding explored with Dr Jeremy DixonEpisode 75 of Let's Talk Social Work explores adult safeguarding—the policies, procedures, and practices aimed at protecting adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This is work guided by principles of dignity, respect, and empowerment and social workers play a crucial role in identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns about the safety and well-being of adults who may be experiencing harm, or who are at risk of harm. For the conversation, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Dr Jeremy Dixon, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences at the University of Bath. They discuss the findings of Jeremy's research which examined understandings of—and approaches to—adult safeguarding, as detailed in his recent book, Adult Safeguarding Observed. The book is available now, published by Policy Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores social work and government policy in Wales. That's not unusual for Let's Talk Social Work, but what is a little different is that we will be considering these issues with the focus placed on an individual and the role they have played in shaping both.Since 2018 the Welsh Government has been led by Mark Drakeford. A former social worker and social policy academic, Mr Drakeford held the posts of Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Minister for Health and Social Services before becoming First Minister. In December he announced he will stand down as leader of the Welsh Labour party and First Minister in March 2024.Andy is joined by social workers Abyd Quin Aziz, Reader in Social Work at Cardiff University and BASW Cymru committee member, and Plaid Cymru member of Gwyned Council, Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths. They explore how Mark Drakeford's time in office has influenced the Welsh Government's approach to social work, and the extent to which wider Government policy has been informed by social work values.Image attribution—User: (WT-shared) Cardiff at wts wikivoyage, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of the podcast features discussion of issues that may cause distress, including sexual harm and abuse by siblings, and listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Andy is joined by social worker Anna Glinski, Deputy Director for Knowledge & Practice Development at the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse. They discuss the challenging issue of sibling sexual behaviour and explore how social workers should respond to instances of inappropriate, problematic and abusive sexual behaviour between siblings.Among the issues discussed, they consider the prevalence of sibling sexual abuse and the extent to which the issue is understood within the profession. They examine what causes children to become engaged in inappropriate, harmful or abusive sexual behaviour with their siblings, and how social workers can take a whole-family approach to supporting the children involved.In 2023 the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse published guidance on responding to sibling sexual behaviour. The document can be accessed at https://www.csacentre.org.uk/app/uploads/2023/09/Sibling-sexual-behaviour-English.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of Let's Talk Social Work of 2024 explores a fantastic, coproduced training project run by the Western Health and Social Care Trust which equips social workers to better support families affected by addiction.The discussion examines the effects addiction has on families and overviews the first-hand impacts that social work involvement can have when a parent is struggling with addiction. The episode also addresses why a service user-led approach is critical to increasing understanding and delivering real improvements in outcomes for children and families.Andy is joined by Sarahlee, a parent and expert by experience who was instrumental in creating the Meet me Where I'm at project, and Western Health and Social Care Trust social workers, Claire White and Serla Meenan.At the start of the episode Andy mentions the Have Your Say workforce survey for social workers and social care workers in Wales. You can find out more about the survey and take part here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, made to mark Human Rights Day, we're examining a really fascinating subject—the Promote the Vote project. The project helps social workers support people with learning disabilities to make use of their right to vote.Despite the UK being a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities—Article 29 of which ensures the right for disabled people to vote—barriers remain which can prevent people from exercising this right.Joining Andy to discuss how Promote the Vote is helping people with a learning disability overcome these barriers are Hafsa Akhtar an expert by experience, Elaine James, Head of Service for Learning Disabilities and Preparation for Adulthood at Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Amani Ali, National Management Trainee also based at Bradford Metropolitan District Council.BASW's UK-wide social work surveyEach year, BASW surveys social workers and social work students to identify the profession's priorities for the year ahead. This year's survey is exploring views on current working conditions, on issues of environmental, professional and social sustainability, and social workers' views on supporting people to participate in voting in the next General Election.The survey is open until Monday 8 January 2024 and results will be anonymised prior to analysis.It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the findings of the Social Work with Older People research project led by the University of Birmingham and the University of Bristol. The project has sought to examine the role social workers play in supporting older people, carers, and families to transform situations. It looks at the barriers which can impede the delivery of high quality and effective services and outlines a series of recommendations concerning how social work can better meet the needs of older people.Joining host Andy McClenaghan are Dr Paul Willis, who at the time of recording worked for the University of Bristol and is now Professor of Adult Social Care at Cardiff University, Nargis Kapasi, a member of the project's Expert Advisory Group, former social worker and someone who has lived experience as a carer, and Gerry Nosowska, Director at Effective Practice, Co-host of the Helpful Social Work podcast and former Chair of BASW UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a break from the norm. It doesn't explore an area of practice, a social policy issue or a campaign. Rather, it is a discussion of a life in social work. The life in question is that of Patrick O'Dea who earlier this year published his memoir—I who had it figured out. The book charts Patrick's upbringing in 1950s Dublin, his years as a social work student at Trinity College, his beginnings in youth and community work and a career in probation. It comes full circle to overview Patrick's position as a social work educator in his alma mater and on to his work advising a Hedge Fund—a role the young 1970s utopian may have had questions about. You can purchase a copy of I who had it figured out here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it look like when experts by experience are fully involved in shaping and informing social work education? What does the role entail? How can universities avoid tokenism and ensure meaningful engagement? What are the benefits for social work students, people who use services and the experts by experience themselves?To address these questions and many more, host, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Rebecca Regler who earlier this year wrote in the British Journal of Social Work about her journey from being a social worker, to a service user, to an expert by experience, and Cherie Carlton, Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead from the MA social work practice, Think Ahead, at Middlesex University.You can read Rebecca's article, My Journey from being a Social Worker, to a service user, to an expert by experience here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social work is a demanding role and even under the best of circumstances, as social workers support individuals to improve life opportunities, they will face difficulties and stresses associated with their work. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Dr Jennifer Simpson and Sam Pulman to explore the theme of resilience in social work. Jennifer is Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Course Leader for MA Advanced Social Work at Nottingham Trent University and Sam previously worked as a frontline social worker with children and families, and as a social work manager before embarking on her doctoral studies. Both are closely involved with the work of the Social Workers' Educational Trust.First the conversation considers how social workers can withstand and recover from the pressures and stresses they face. Then the discussion moves on to examine whether a focus on resilience gives an easy out for organisations which overburden and stretch their social workers beyond what is manageable and ask if resilience as an individual quality is really what we should be focused on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 66 of Let's Talk Social Work examines a subject which previously hasn't been explored on the podcast. The discussion focuses on self-neglect—what it is, the ways in which it affects people and how social workers can respond.We look at how the social work approach to supporting people who self-neglect has changed over the years, the duties placed on Local Authorities in relation to self-neglect by the Care Act and how these requirements must be balanced with each individual's human rights.Joining Andy McClenaghan to explore the topic are Lizzie Furber, Principal Social Worker with responsibility for Social Justice, Diversity & Strategy at DCC Interactive Ltd and Independent Social Worker, Lisa Barrett. Lisa runs the consultancy Clutter Free Living and is a Trainer with, and former Board member of, the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Let's Talk Social Work explores the incredibly important topic of the age assessment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.Immigration policy is in the news almost daily at present and ensuring that the needs of children seeking asylum in the UK are met underscores the vital importance of the age assessment process. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Jo Schofield, Director of Immigration Social Work Services and BASW's Public and Political Affairs Lead, Kerri Prince to discuss the role social workers play in age assessments and the implications of the recently passed Illegal Migration Act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Andy McClenaghan and guests explore the therapeutic role artistic and musical creativity can play in improving mental health.Andy is joined by experts by experience Ash and Molly and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service Social Worker, Sarah Ombler, who along with her colleague, Shauneen O'Connor, oversaw the incredibly exciting initiative, IMPACT CAMHS. They discuss the benefits which have come from the project, a service-user involvement group which supported a group of young people who use CAMHS services, to write and record music as part of a collective called Counterpart.The conversation examines the importance of meaningful coproduction by empowering service users to shape the projects and services they engage with. They discuss the benefits experienced by the young people in terms of increased confidence, improved social skills, reduced loneliness, and the realisation of creative potential. The episode also explores what social workers can learn from the creative, group-based approach to therapeutic service delivery.You can listen to the EP, Colour Theory, by Counterpart on Spotify and videos for the songs Hope and Break the Silence are available on Youtube:The project evaluation conducted by Queen's University Belfast mentioned in the episode is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded just before the summer break, Andy McClenaghan and guests, Priya David and Duc Tran, discuss some of the many issues faced by overseas social workers who have come to the UK to practice. Priya and Duc are Co-Chairs of the BASW Diaspora Special Interest Group and offer insights into the challenges diaspora social workers can face when working in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the steps employers can take to address the problems identified.In June 2023, the BASW Diaspora Special Interest Group published a framework providing guidance on best practice in the recruitment and induction processes for social workers who have qualified outside the UK. The International Recruitment and Induction Standards for International Social Workers coming to the UK can be accessed here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host, Andy McClenaghan, explains our plans to take a few weeks off, and that the podcast will return on 17 August to explore the experiences of overseas social workers working in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past year and a half, the Independent Review of Children's Social Care Services has examined the challenges facing the delivery of children's services across Northern Ireland. On 21 June, Lead Reviewer, Professor Ray Jones published his findings and recommendations for change.Host, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Professor Jones, Josephine Dowell, a student social worker and care experienced young person who has been closely involved in the Review process via the organisation Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), and Carolyn Ewart, National Director of the British Association of Social Workers Northern Ireland. They discuss the challenges facing users of children and family services and the social workers who provide them. They also examine Professor Jones's recommendations for reforming how services are organised, governed and delivered across the region.The Independent Review of Children's Social Care Services report can be accessed here.During the discussion, Carolyn makes reference to the document Voices of Social Work Through the Troubles, it can be accessed here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This very special episode was recorded live in front of an audience on Monday 12 June, ahead of the BASW UK conference at Conference Aston in Birmingham. The theme of the discussion is exploring the role of podcasts as a learning resource. What do social workers gain from engaging in podcasts, what would they like done better, who is yet to be reached and what have the participants learned from making, studying and taking part in podcasts.Joining Andy McClenaghan to discuss all this and more are Patriche Bentick—Senior Practitioner in Camden Council and friend of and regular contributor to Let's Talk Social Work, Joe Hanley—lecturer with the Open University and Dr Sylvia Smith—host of the wonderful Social Workers Matter podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we return to the issue of poverty in the UK. The country remains gripped by the cost-of-living crisis, and while we are all being affected, for some, rising prices represent an inconvenience. But, for those who prior to the crisis were experiencing poverty, and for many millions of households which were already struggling to make ends meet, the impacts have been devastating. Andy McClenaghan is joined by social worker and founder of Food is Care, Dominic Watters, Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick, Lecturer in Law at Ulster University and anti-poverty campaigner, and Jonny Adamson, Communications and External Relations Officer at the British Association of Social Workers. They explore the impacts of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the BASW UK campaign, Social Work Stands Against Poverty. You can listen to this, and all other episodes of Let's Talk Social Work, at Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3g7YcE0 Spotify https://spoti.fi/2QjefE6 and everywhere else you get your podcasts, just search ‘Let's Talk Social Work'.To book Dominic's ground-breaking Food Insecurity Training email - singledadsw@gmail.comFor information on BASW's Social Work Stands Against Poverty campaign, click here. To read the Christian's Against Poverty client report Taking on UK poverty, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does media coverage reflect the public's opinions of social work, or does it shape them? Has the tone of coverage changed over the years, and do pressures on journalists working in media outlets limit the extent to which coverage can address the complexities and nuances of social work related stories? Joining host Andy McClenaghan to answer these questions are Julia Ross, Chair of the British Association of Social Workers, Anoosh Chakelian, Britain Editor of the New Statesman, host of the New Statesman Podcast and co-host of the Westminster Reimagined podcast and Shahid Naqvi, Editor of Professional Social Work Magazine. Andy is later joined by John McGowan, General Secretary of the Social Workers Union to discuss the work the union has undertaken with media regulators regarding coverage of social work related issues.To register to attend the live recording of Let's Talk Social Work in Birmingham on the evening of Monday 12 June, please visit https://www.basw.co.uk/events/talking-heads-social-work-and-podcastsTo find out more about Julia's book, Call the Social, mentioned in the discussion, click here.To read the IMPRESS media reporting guidelines for cases involving social workers, click here and for further information on the work of the Social Workers Union in this area, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February, Let's Talk Social Work examined the Government's strategy for children's social care in England, Stable Homes Built on Love, and we're returning to an important issue discussed in that episode—kinship care.Andy McClenaghan is joined by kinship carer, Natalie Boyes, Sam Turner, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the charity Kinship, and Dr Paul Shuttleworth, Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Education and Social Work at Sussex University. Their conversation explores what kinship care is, the challenges kinship carers face, what social workers need to know about it, and what needs to change to ensure children in kinship care, and their carers receive the support they need.During the conversation Sam references the document Practising in kinship care: The perspectives of specialist social workers. Paul's podcast, Do Do Social Work, co-hosted with Sarah Flagg, can be accessed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else you get your podcasts. Some of Paul's research can be accessed below: Shuttleworth, P.D. (2023) 'What matters for child participation - The role of valuation-based dialogical participation for children living in kinship care in England' Child and Youth Service Review (149) Available at :https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106959Shuttleworth, P.D. (2022) ‘Recognition of Family Life by Children Living in Kinship Care Arrangements in England', The British Journal of Social Work, p. bcac114. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac114 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special episode, Andy McClenaghan interviews Nana Akwasi Yabbey-Hagan and Robert Dyer, the hosts of The Social Worker and the Mentor podcast.They discuss the importance of promoting Black excellence in social work and wider society, the importance of building rapport with young people, and speaking up for social work. The conversation also explores why there are so few men in social work, and what the education sector can learn from social work and vice versa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, commonly shorted to M.E. and also referred to as chronic fatigue is an illness many people will be aware of. However, the illness is often misunderstood, which can lead to very damaging consequences for people with M.E. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive of Action for M.E. and Tony Crouch, Social work advisor to the 25% ME Group and The Young ME Sufferers Trust. They consider the impacts M.E. has on the lives of those affected and what social workers need to know to support and advocate for service users with the illness.Several resources are referred to during the episode, they can be accessed via the following links:Action for M.E.: M.E./CFS in children and young people Action for M.E.: Newly diagnosed with M.E./CFSNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and managementBASW: Fabricated and Induced Illness Practice Guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, made to mark World Social Work Day 2023, explores the role of social work in deeply divided societies. Social work is practiced under situations of armed conflict and in deeply divided post conflict societies in many regions and countries across the world. Taking the examples of Bosnia Herzegovina and Northern Ireland, Andy McClenaghan and guests examine how social workers have adapted to deliver services amidst situations of political violence, and discuss the role of social work in post-conflict societies.With Andy to discuss these issues, are Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic, Reader in Social Work at the University of Sussex, Jim Campbell, Emeritus Full Professor of Social Work at University College Dublin and Janet Walker, Professor of International Social Work at the University of Lincoln and Chair of the British Association of Social Workers International Committee.As ever, the views expressed are those of the participants and not necessarily the views of BASW.To buy a copy of International Perspectives on Social Work and Political Conflict, please visit https://www.routledge.com/International-Perspectives-on-Social-Work-and-Political-Conflict/Duffy-Campbell-Tosone/p/book/9781032087283Milkman, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses, and the works of William Faulkner, are available from all good libraries and bookshops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the podcast we've the fantastic opportunity to be back focusing on social work in Wales—more specifically, anti-racist social work practice in Wales. Andy is joined by Abyd Quinn Aziz, Social Work Programme Director at Cardiff University, Jade Forbes, Senior Social Worker and Approved Mental Health Professional based in South East Wales, and Gaynor Legall, former social worker, Chairperson of the community organisation the Heritage & Cultural Exchange and member of the governance group of the Welsh Government's Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. The conversation starts with the big picture—exploring the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and whether political leaders have gone far enough in their efforts to achieve an anti-racist society.The group then moves on to discuss experiences of racism in the context of practice, how incidents were addressed by employers, and what needs to change to ensure anti-racist practice is embedded in social work in Wales.If you'd like to find out more about the BASW Cymru Anti-racism group, please email BASW Cymru Professional Officer Narinder Sidhu – narinder.sidhu@basw.co.ukTo read the Welsh Government's Anti-racist Wales Action Plan click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 2 February the Government launched its strategy for children's social care reform in England—Stable Homes, Built on Love. In this episode we we look at what the Strategy means for children and young people in care, those who care for them and for social workers working in children's services. To discuss the strategy, host, Andy McClenaghan is joined by social workers Bekah Pierre and Joe Hanley—Bekah is a care experienced adult and BASW England Professional Officer, and Joe is a lecturer with the Open University and a member of the BASW Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee—and Sam Turner, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the charity Kinship. To read the Government's strategy, click here. To visit BASW's review of children's social care web hub, which includes BASW's response to the publication of the strategy click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Let's Talk Social Work we explore the important, and unfortunately all too often overlooked issue of the needs of Black children in care.The episode begins by exploring a ground-breaking initiative run by Camden Council, to ensure all foster carers are able to meet the haircare and skincare needs of Black children and young people in their care. The discussion later widens out to look at other issues concerning cultural awareness. Host, Andy McClenaghan is joined by friends of the podcast James Kargbo Equalities Lead at Camden Council, and Patriche Bentick, member of the BASW Black & Ethnic Minority Professionals Symposium and Senior Social Work Practitioner, also at Camden Council and foster carer, Sarah Livingstone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy McClenaghan is joined by social workers Deb Solomon and Florence Smith to talk about neurodiversity in social work and examine how employers and educators can improve support for neurodivergent social workers. Deb is Chair of the BASW Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group and Florence is a campaigner for neuro-inclusion, host of the blog the neurodivergent social worker and she is also a member of the BASW Special Interest Group.For more information on the BASW Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group follow them on Twitter @ND_SWgroup.To access Florence's blog, please click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To start 2023, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Dr Rory Truell, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Social Workers to discuss how the Federation is assisting social workers in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to support people displaced as a result of the Russian Invasion.They examine what life is currently like in Ukraine and how social workers within the country, and internationally, have responded to the Russian invasion. They explore the role of social workers in the creation of a Social Investment Partnership launched in the Kamenets Podisk district of Ukraine and discuss the importance of this initiative in providing people with access to food and essential products in a manner which respects their dignity and prevents a reliance on aid.For more information of the work of IFSW in Ukraine, visit https://www.ifsw.org/social-work-in-ukraine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of 2022, our focus is on human rights in the UK. To celebrate Human Rights Day, Andy McClenaghan and guests explore the protections afforded to us all via the Human Rights Act, and the plans of the Westminster Government to alter these protections through the introduction of a UK Bill of Rights. The conversation explores implications of the planned legislation for rights in a range of contexts, including the provision of social work services. Andy is joined by Jun Pang, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Liberty, and social workers, Martin Sexton, Chair of the BASW Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee and Annie Smith, formerly of the British Institute for Human Rights and now Community Led Support Delivery Lead at the National Development Team for Inclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning to an issue which was the focus of our first ever episode—the role of social workers in disaster situations—this conversation explores the themes outlined in the book Out of the Shadows: The Role of Social Workers in Disasters (Critical Publishing, 2022). Andy McClenaghan is joined by Dr Angie Bartoli, Principal Lecturer in Social Work at Nottingham Trent University, Maris Stratulis, National Director of BASW England and Margaret Aspinall, Chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group. During the discussion, Margaret poignantly reflects on the tragic death of her son James, who aged 18, was one of the 97 people who were unlawfully killed in the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989. She recounts her own experiences of receiving social work support following the disaster and offers her views on how social workers can best support families affected by grief and trauma. Angie and Maris, who along with Rebekah Pierre edited Out of the Shadows, provide insights into the role of social workers in disaster scenarios and comment on the learning for the profession which is outlined in the book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Caroline Bald and Helen Woods, Co-Chairs of the BASW England Criminal Justice Group, and BASW England Professional Officer, Wayne Reid. They explore how social workers working in the criminal and youth justice sectors make a positive difference in the lives of individuals who have come into contact with the justice system. The conversation considers the nature of criminal justice social work, the groups that criminal justice social workers support, and whether, all social workers are in fact criminal justice social workers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vivian Geiran, Chair of the Irish Association of Social Workers talks with Andy McClenaghan about social work in Ireland. They discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, the importance of cross border working and probation as a social work service.The conversation explores the impacts of the acute housing crisis gripping Ireland, during which the publication, the View digital, is mentioned. You can read the relevant issue here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the 1990s, successive governments have unsuccessfully attempted to reform the approach to funding adult social care. In this episode, Andy McClenaghan is joined by guests Resh Patel, an expert by experience of adult social care, Jackie Mahoney, co-chair of the BASW England Adult Thematic Group and Katy Jackson, Co-Chair of BASW England Committee, to discuss the Government's plans for reform of Adult Social Care in England. They explore how planned changes will be funded, how users of social care services will be affected, and what the likely impacts will be for social workers.To participate in the BASW England survey mentioned in the episode, please click here.The House of Commons Library research report, Proposed reforms to adult social care, can be accessed here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.