Shows
The Social Work PivotFrom Frontline Challenges to Coaching Solutions - Interview with Kate CuthbertsonSend us a textJoin me as I sit down with Kate Cuthbertson, a seasoned social worker and accredited coach, to explore the transformative journey from frontline social work to coaching and mentoring. In this insightful episode, Kate shares her early childhood experiences that led to embarking on her social work career, the impact of coaching on social work practice, and the importance of maintaining boundaries and self-care. Discover how coaching can empower social workers, enhance their professional growth, and improve retention in the field. Whether you're a social worker, a coach, or someone interested i...2025-06-1043 min
Let's Talk Social WorkThe HandoverAfter 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 information2025-04-1749 min
Social Work Sorted with Vicki ShevlinSW England fees, AI and practice, changes to the ASYE, and a spring reset - basically a big updateThere are lots of changes (as always) happening in social work so I thought I'd share my views on some of them in this chatty episode.If you want to skip my opinions and go straight to how you can have a mini rest this spring, realign your boundaries and look at some genuine self care, head to around 33 minutes.In this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on-SWE proposed increase-AI and social work -New Post Qualifying Standards and changes from the ASYE to the 'Social Work Induction P...2025-04-0654 min
Let's Talk Social WorkDiscussing the state of dementia training for social workers and social care workersIn 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 BAS...2025-02-2051 min
Let's Talk Social WorkExploring what the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could mean for social workIn 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 deba...2025-01-2356 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Social Work to Systemic Psychotherapy: Rougi’s Journey to Family Therapy in CAMHSSend us a textPodcast Introduction:Rougi started her journey in social work through the Frontline programme, where she honed her skills and passion for supporting families. But Rougi’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s now on an exciting path to becoming a Systemic Psychotherapist and currently works as a Family Therapist within CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).In this episode, Rougi shares her journey into social work, the motivations behind her decision to pivot towards systemic psychotherapy, and an insightful glimpse into what her work life looks like now. Whether you're...2024-12-1733 min
Messy Social WorkBecca Carr Hopkins (ISW and attachment expert) on attachment and the use of self in social work In this episode, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine are joined by Becca Carr-Hopkins for a powerful conversation about use of self, attachment theory, and the transformative power of relationships in social work practice. Becca shares her journey into social work, insights on adapting to challenging environments, and how understanding attachment can unlock deeper connections with families. Rich reflects on the profound impact of supervision that centre's emotions and relationships, while Becca explores the importance of creating space for reflection in emotionally charged work. Whether you’re a practitioner, student, or someone interested in the human side...2024-12-131h 01Messy Social WorkRich and Tim on how to create organisational and systemic change in social work Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programmeRich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/ 2024-12-0659 minMessy Social WorkRich, Tim and Lee Crouch (parent with lived experience) on how to assess a parents capacity to changeThe podcast focuses on two main themes: assessing capacity to change in social work and a parent’s personal journey through the child protection system. Part 1: Assessing Capacity to Change Rich Devine shares insights from his 14 years in social work, focusing on the challenges of evaluating a parent’s capacity to change within child protection contexts. 1. Challenges in Assessing Change: 2. A Framework for Assessing Capacity to Change: Part 2: A Parent’s Perspective – Lee’s Story Lee Crouch shares his personal journey of transformation from losing custody of his children to their eventual reuni...2024-11-291h 06Messy Social WorkRich and Tim on the why, what and how of Family Group ConferencesTim's article: https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/138533/bernheim-et-al-2024-the-power-and-potential-of-space-and-place-in-family-group-conferencing-reimagining-the-role-of-the.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y We hope you enjoyed this episode, please do contact us and share your reflections. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to explore, do get in touch: Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programmeRich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/ 2024-11-2253 minThe Social Work PivotNailing Your Next Job Interview: Tips for Social WorkersSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore practical strategies to help social workers succeed in job interviews. If you're aiming for a role in statutory services, this episode covers the essentials to ensure you present your skills, communicate your experience, and emphasise your values confidently. Learn what to focus on in your preparation, how to handle common interview questions for social work roles, and ways to stand out by showcasing your unique insights and adaptability. With tips for social workers at every stage of their career, this episode will...2024-11-1924 min
Let's Talk Social WorkExploring Artificial Intelligence in Social Work—Ethics, Opportunities and RiskIn 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....2024-10-1755 min
Let's Talk Social WorkWhat does the Labour landslide mean for adult social care in England?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.T...2024-07-1850 min
Let's Talk Social WorkPoverty is a political choiceFollowing 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 wit...2024-05-0952 min
Let's Talk Social WorkA Change Would Do You Good—Exploring BASW’s 2024 General Election ManifestoA 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.2024-04-2546 min
Let's Talk Social Work‘Don’t park the bus’ — exploring the benefits of coaching in social workA 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.Join...2024-03-2839 min
Let's Talk Social Work‘Rise up with me against the organisation of misery’“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 Insti...2024-03-1445 min
Let's Talk Social WorkFriends in high placesThis 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...2024-02-1557 min
The Misery MachineThe Case of Baby PThis week, Drewby and Yergy head to Tottenham, London, to discuss the case of Peter Connelly, known to the British media as Baby P. At just 17-months old, little Peter suffered some of the most unimaginable torture at the hands of his mother, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend's brother... horrors that would cost the young boy his life.
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Discord: https...2024-01-2628 minSocial Work Sorted with Vicki ShevlinDecisions in Social Work: Unpacking the Question – Who Am I Doing It For?Who are you doing it for?" In this episode I emphasise the importance of considering this question when making decisions, plans, or taking actions in both professional and personal life. I encourage you to explore your motivations, whether influenced by organizational pressures, personal ego, fear, or genuine dedication to individuals or families.I share my experiences and mistakes, and explain that this questions is a part of an upcoming talk at the BASW Greater Manchester Branch Student Social Work Symposium, where I will talk about using and consuming social media as a student social worker. Get...2023-12-1006 min
Social Work SpotlightEpisode 98: KristinIn this episode I speak with Kristin, a qualified social worker with 17 years of social work experience in youth justice, child protection and the family court. Kristin qualified in Australia but has lived and worked in the UK since 2012. Now alongside her social work role, Kristin supports other overseas social workers making the move to the UK.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:CoramBAAF - https://corambaaf.org.uk/The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) resources - https://new.basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resourcesLet’...2023-12-0841 min
Let's Talk Social WorkPromote the VoteIn 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 barrie...2023-12-0743 min
Let's Talk Social WorkSocial Work with Older PeopleThis 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 th...2023-11-2353 min
Learn on the go: the Community Care podcastSocial work and FGM: anti-oppressive practice in actionIn this episode, we discuss the social work role in working with girls and women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) and safeguarding children at risk. Our two guests bring their perspectives from both practice and research to try and help increase practitioners’ knowledge and confidence.You’ll hear about ways to keep anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice, personal reflection and supervision central to your work – both to avoid stigmatising and causing further harm to affectees, and to build trust and relationships with individuals and communities to reduce risk.The guests are: Maureen Mguni, a senior lecturer and re...2023-10-2034 min
NSPCC Learning PodcastBuilding an evidence base for social workEvidence plays an important role in social work practice.
Knowledge gained from research and practical experience should be used to ensure decisions about safety and risk are well-informed and ethical.
In this podcast episode, a panel of experts from the NSPCC discuss how social workers can build and maintain an evidence base to support their work.
You can read this episode’s transcript on the NSPCC Learning website.
💬 About the speakers
Julian Fabian is a Consultant Social Worker with the NSPCC. He works across all their direct services for children in th...2023-10-0923 min
Let's Talk Social WorkAge assessment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking childrenThis 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 I...2023-09-2143 minSocial Work Sorted with Vicki ShevlinThe value of peer support as a student social worker, with guest from the BASW peer supportIt was a summer highlight to spend time with Stacey, Leigh-Anne and Michelle to talk about the incredible work they are doing to promote the power of peer support! If you would like to join the next peer support group on 31st August 2023 6pm - 7pm, you can use this link to book:https://www.basw.co.uk/events/basw-student-peer-support-group-1If you have questions about peer support in your university or setting up a group, contact me vicki@socialworksorted.com and I can share contact details with consent. More useful l...2023-08-2034 min