Shows
The Social Work PivotMessy Social Work: Rich Devine on Writing Online and Child Protection Social WorkSend us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Rich Devine, a dedicated social worker, to explore the emotional and psychological challenges of the profession. Rich shares his personal journey, from his early motivations influenced by his father's struggles, to his experiences in child protection and the impact of his work on his own life. We delve into the realities of social work, discussing the importance of attachment theory, the complexities of working with families, and the emotional toll of making difficult decisions. Rich also opens up about his experiences of regularly writing a...2025-06-2448 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Statutory Social Work to Charity Leadership: Oretha Wofford's Inspiring Social Work CareerSend us a textIn this inspiring episode, I welcome Oretha Wofford, a dedicated social worker, to share her remarkable journey from childhood in care to becoming a leader in social work. Oretha's story begins with her powerful childhood memory of black bin bags which evolved into a lifelong commitment to ensuring no child feels devalued.Discover how Oretha's experiences shaped her career, her transition from the US to the UK, and her impactful work in various social work settings. We then delve into Oretha's pivot into charity leadership, first as a trustee a...2025-06-1748 minThe 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 minThe Social Work PivotTransforming Social Work Assessments: Geraldine Wetherell on the Innovative CUBAS ModelSend us a textIn this episode of the Social Work Pivot Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Geraldine Wetherell, the co-creator of CUBAS, alongside Clair Chamberlain. CUBAS is a dynamic and adaptable parenting assessment model and software-assisted solution designed to empower social workers. Geraldine shares her inspiring journey into social work, the development of CUBAS, and how this innovative model is transforming the way social workers assess and support families. Tune in to learn more about the CUBAS model and how it can enhance your practice, truly making every assessment an intervention for change. We...2025-06-0353 minThe Social Work PivotSame Skills, New Sector: How Social Workers Can Pivot into Roles Outside of Statutory Social WorkSend us a textIn this episode, I dive into the second type of career pivot, where you remain in the same career but transition to a different sector. As a social worker, you may find yourself emotionally drained, feeling unheard, or misaligned with your current setting. This episode addresses these challenges and explores how you can stay connected to your identity as a social worker while finding new environments that align more closely with your values.I share practical steps for mapping out your transferable skills, exploring aligned sectors, and reworking your CV and...2025-05-2723 minThe Social Work PivotFeeling Stuck in Your Career? Use the Pivot Flywheel to Plan Your Next Step in Social WorkSend us a text In this episode of "The Social Work Pivot," I address the feeling of career stagnation among social workers. I explore the challenges faced by experienced social workers who feel undervalued and unsure of their next steps. I introduce the "Social Work Pivot Flywheel," a process designed to help social workers move forward with intention and align their careers with their values and goals.Key Points Discussed:Feeling Stuck: I acknowledge the feeling of being stuck in a social work career and the lack of structured support a...2025-05-1335 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Social Worker to Entrepreneur: Wendy Grant's Journey into Independent Social Work Practice with Separated FamiliesSend us a textToday's podcast episode is an interview with Wendy Grant, a seasoned social worker whose career spans South Africa and the UK. In this insightful episode, Wendy shares her journey into social work, influenced by her parents' values and the societal changes in South Africa. Discover the differences in social work practice between the two countries, and learn about Wendy's transition to the UK, where she worked in various roles across London boroughs.Wendy also discusses her move into independent social work, launching a business that supports parents navigating private law proceedings...2025-05-0740 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Frontline Social Work to Full-Time Life Coach: Ellie Iovine’s Journey of Career Change and GrowthSend us a textToday, I’m joined by Ellie Iovine, a former child protection social worker turned full-time life coach. Ellie spent 10 years in frontline safeguarding, working with children and families in crisis. She remained committed to direct client work, serving as an advanced practitioner for three years, but never felt drawn to management—she thrived in community-based work, making a direct impact.After three attempts to leave social work, Ellie finally took the leap in December 2024, stepping fully into life coaching. For three years, she balanced social work with building her business, training unde...2025-04-0843 minThe Social Work PivotIs Statutory Social Work a Lifelong Career? Why It’s Time to Take Charge of Your Career PathSend us a textIs statutory social work really a lifelong career—or just one part of your journey? In this inspiring episode, we explore why many child and family social workers are leaving the profession earlier than expected. We unpack the impact of burnout, health issues, time and financial pressures—and why simply training more social workers won’t fix the retention crisis.More importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do: how to take control of your career path, plan your next steps, and define what success looks like for you. Whether you're c...2025-04-0118 minThe Social Work PivotInterview with Carrissa Kai: From Social Work to Trauma-Informed Health CoachingSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I speak with Carrissa Kai, a former social worker turned Trauma-Informed Body Transformation Coach. Carrissa shares how her experience with burnout, mental health struggles, and obesity led her to create Keep Me Curvy, where she helps high-achieving women break free from emotional eating and metabolic disease.Before launching her business, Carrissa worked in domestic abuse services, residential children's homes, and statutory child protection. After facing burnout and a mental health crisis, she knew she needed a change. Now, she uses her expertise...2025-03-2550 minThe Social Work PivotCoaching for Social Workers: Advancing Your Career with Valeria KadelskiSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Valeria Kadelski (Val), an ICF-certified coach, who helps professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Originally from Italy and now based in Denmark, Val specialises in supporting millennial expats in building fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. Coaching can be a powerful tool for us as social workers —not only for managing challenging workplace dynamics and securing that next promotion, but also for exploring new career possibilities. Whether you’re looking to use coaching to navigate your own career path or cons...2025-03-1854 minThe Social Work PivotCareer Pivot 1 - Finding a Sustainable Path in Statutory Social Work RolesSend us a textAre you feeling burnt out in statutory child and family social work but don’t want to leave social work altogether? You’re not alone. Many social workers reach a point where the long hours, high caseloads, and emotional strain become overwhelming—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the profession you love.In this episode, we revisit the four types of career pivot (see episode 1), and focus on the first career pivot, within the same career and same industry: Staying in social work but changing roles within s...2025-03-1123 minThe Social Work PivotWhy Social Workers Should Volunteer – A Key to Your Career GrowthSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore why volunteering can be a game-changer for social workers looking to expand their skills, build networks, and even pivot their careers.Many social workers underestimate the value of trusteeship and volunteering, yet these roles provide opportunities to gain governance experience, influence decision-making, and develop leadership skills that can open doors to new career paths. Whether you're considering a move into independent practice, policy work, or a leadership role, volunteering offers a low-risk way to explore new opportunities while making a...2025-03-0414 minThe Social Work PivotMaking the Transition – Balancing Statutory and Independent Social Work with Sarah CairnsSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cairns, a trauma-informed social worker with over a decade of experience across child protection, fostering and adoption, court work, and residential care in Scotland and England. Now balancing independent social work alongside a statutory role, Sarah shares her journey, insights on making the transition, and how she stays up to date with legislation, policy, and evidence-based practice.We discuss:✅ Sarah’s journey into social work ✅ The realities of combining statutory and independent social work✅ Key...2025-02-2543 minThe Social Work PivotSafeguarding Through Stories: Victoria Adepoju’s Journey to Becoming a Children’s AuthorSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Victoria Adepoju, a social worker, safeguarding trainer, and children's author based in London.Victoria shares her journey from working in child protection to becoming an advocate for children's safety through literature. Her experiences led her to write No More Secrets Simi and No More Secrets Isaac, books designed to help children recognise and report abuse.I delve into her motivations for entering social work, her transitions between permanent and locum roles, and her shift from children's...2025-02-1832 minThe Social Work PivotSocial Work and Beyond: Taking Bold Leaps with Peter ButuroSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Peter Buturo, founder of Bold Leap and author of Social Work and Beyond. With years of extensive and direct experience with children in care, Peter’s passionate nature speaks for itself. His own adolescence mirrored that of many children in care, and his caring and helpful personality led him to a career in social work. After 11 years in the profession, Peter recognised the need to prioritise care over profit and built Bold Leap on this foundation. We discuss his powerful mo...2025-02-1140 minThe Social Work PivotCoaching Your Way to a Career Pivot: Tools, Questions & Insights for Social WorkersSend us a textThinking about a career pivot but unsure where to start? In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet explores how coaching can help social workers gain clarity, make confident career decisions, and take action toward new opportunities.Drawing from her own experiences with coaching, Janet breaks down the difference between coaching and mentoring, introduces practical coaching methods—including the GROW model—and shares powerful coaching questions to guide your career transition.If you’re feeling stuck or ready for a change, this episode will give you the to...2025-02-0424 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 minThe Social Work PivotThe Path to Leadership: Angie Bartoli on Her Research into Becoming a Social Work ManagerSend us a textEpisode Description:In this inspiring episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet sits down with Angie Bartoli, an accomplished social worker, academic, and author of Becoming a Social Work Manager. Drawing on her extensive career and doctoral research, Angie shares valuable insights into the transition from practitioner to manager and how she found her passion in academia.Whether you’re considering a career in academia, aiming for a managerial role, or just seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement to help yo...2024-11-2744 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 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Social Worker to Entrepreneur: Priya’s Journey of Growth and New Beginnings in Abu DhabiSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we welcome Priya, a seasoned social worker with extensive experience in child and family services across multiple countries. After moving with her family to Abu Dhabi, Priya returned recently to the UAE and has launched her own safeguarding company in the field. She takes us through the unique challenges of working in Abu Dhabi, sharing first-hand what it’s like to practise social work in a different cultural context. Priya also delves into her journey of shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial on...2024-11-1250 minThe Social Work PivotFlexible Working - The Key to Unlocking Your Career PivotSend us a textIn this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore how flexible working can be the key to unlocking your next career pivot. Whether you're looking to shift into a new area of social work, transition to independent practice, or explore roles outside of statutory services, embracing flexibility in your work life can provide the freedom and space to pursue your next steps.We’ll dive into practical insights on how to make flexible working work for you, featuring inspiring stories from social workers who’ve successfully made career pivo...2024-10-2218 minThe Social Work PivotNavigating Social Work in Australia: Connor’s Career Journey Across ContinentsSend us a textOn this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m joined by Connor Appleton, a UK-trained child and family social worker who made the bold move to permanently relocate to Australia in 2022. Connor shares his first-hand experience of the culture shock that came with living and working in a new country, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities he’s encountered practising social work in Australia.Tune in to hear Connor’s reflections on the differences in social work systems, his tips for making relocating to Australia to practise social work...2024-10-1531 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Statutory Social Work to Independent Practice: Laura Taylor’s JourneySend us a textOn this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Taylor, Independent Social Worker and Therapeutic Parenting Coach. With over 15 years of experience in child and family social work, much of Laura’s career has been dedicated to working with children in care and supporting foster carers. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and enhancing the practice of parents, carers, and professionals in both home and residential settings.Laura recently transitioned from statutory social work into independent practice, and in this episode, she shares her inspiring journey. If y...2024-10-0834 minThe Social Work PivotFrom Social Work to Occupational Therapy: Karlene’s Journey and the Power of Career PlanningSend us a textIn this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one of determination and purpose. When she realised social work no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made a plan to pivot and is now on a new path toward a fulfilling career in occu...2024-10-0132 minThe Social Work PivotBuilding a Global Social Work Practice: Pilar's Career Pivot into Independent Practice with Spanish-Speaking FamiliesSend us a textI had a great time talking with Pilar Cubelos in this episode! Pilar is a qualified social worker who entered the profession after a successful career in stone masonry. After gaining experience in statutory child and family social work, she pivoted into independent practice during the COVID pandemic. What's truly remarkable about Pilar's journey is how she embraced her strengths to carve out a niche working with Spanish-speaking families and developed a unique social work career that spans multiple countries while living in Spain. I especially admire how Pilar h...2024-09-2435 minThe Social Work PivotWhat is a Career Pivot?Send us a textWelcome to the inaugural episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot.Introduction:Social workers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. According to a recent survey by Social Work England, 65% of so...2024-09-1709 minThe Social Work PivotRethinking Roles: Embracing an Entrepreneurial MindsetSend us a textWelcome to the next episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot.Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in yo...2024-09-1719 min