Let's Talk Social Work
Welcome to Let’s Talk Social Work, the podcast from the British Association of Social Workers. This is a space for conversation—discussion with social workers, the individuals they support, and colleagues working in related professions. We consider the key matters affecting social workers as we explore contemporary issues with a focus at both the local and global levels.
Episodes
Who you gonna call? - The BASW/SWU Advice & Representation Team
Social workers sometimes need help too. Whether it’s to resolve a workplace conflict, navigate a fitness to practice referral, manage complex or difficult cases, or to seek advice on an employment matter, knowing where to turn when facing professional challenges is critical.The temptation might be to go it alone, but doing so can be overwhelming, stressful and burdensome, taking a heavy toll on me
I’m not Invisible: Supporting children living with a parent in prison
Too often, young people have been the silent victims of the justice system.As our prison population gets bigger, so do the numbers of young people living with a parent incarcerated. They form one of the most overlooked groups in our society, with little known about their needs or experiences. That leads to them being forgotten about when it comes to policy-making and support networks, or even wors
Exploring the relationship between supervision and practice with children and families
Supervision and home visits are central to social work with children and families, yet the interaction between them is rarely considered. Given the importance that social workers place on them both, it seems strange that we tend only to evaluate the influence of supervision through its impact on social workers, without gathering any empirical evidence around whether it is directly improving the ou
Centenary Episode: In Conversation with Baroness Lister CBE
One hundred not out for Let’s Talk Social Work!To mark our centenary, we’re delighted to welcome Baroness Ruth Lister CBE onto the podcast for a unique ‘in conversation’ episode on a host of topic areas, from social justice to human rights, asylum and immigration, child safeguarding, and raising social work’s voice in parliament.Baroness Lister brings a wealth of experience and expertise in all of
“I am the Safeguard, and I am Alone” - Carers, Nearest Relatives, and the Reality of the Mental Health Act
Have you ever considered what the role of a Nearest Relative is like?Under the Mental Health Act for England and Wales, any one of us could be thrust into the role, carrying the weight of its legal responsibilities, pressures of supporting our family member, and navigating the ever-complex mental health system. A recent research project funded by UK Research and Innovation conducted with AMHPs and
Scotland and Wales Decide
Significant elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales this year.With the current political mood so unpredictable, the make-up of Holyrood in Edinburgh and the Senedd in Cardiff could be very different after May. And given that social work in Scotland and Wales is the full responsibility of these legislatures, any change is likely to have a sizeable impact on decisions taken about the profes
What does the future hold for social work and BASW?
Let’s Talk Social Work is kickstarting 2026 with a broad episode exploring the state of the profession in the UK.Host Jonny Adamson is joined by BASW Interim Chief Executive, Professor Sam Baron, BASW England Acting Chair, Shantel Thomas, and Professional Officer at the Scottish Association of Social Work, Susan Dobson for a frank discussion on the challenges currently facing social work, their vi
The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Babies and Infants
One third of domestic abuse begins during pregnancy, rising to 40% within a baby’s first 1001 days of life. It contributes to around one in four babies entering care, making it the highest-ranking factor for children’s safeguarding.Despite landmark legislation being introduced across the UK to protect children against domestic abuse, a recent report by the Children’s Commissioner for England and W
Can we go higher? Opportunities for further education in social work
Higher degrees, such as a Master’s or a Doctoral, can prove extremely valuable for social workers and their practice. But is it a realistic and accessible option for social workers to undertake further education while still working?When you factor in a lack of time, unmanageable workloads, difficulties obtaining funding, not to mention the practicalities of studying while at the same time navigati
Beware of the Dog - how should social workers manage encounters with dogs?
Social workers frequently come into contact with dogs in their practice. Yet until now, it hasn't featured in social work research, education, training and guidance.A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Work entitled ‘We’re not professionals when it comes to dogs:’ Social work encounters with dogs and their implications for education and practice sets out to address this omissi
The Handover
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 g
Solidarity Forever: exploring the role of social work in promoting international solidarity and human rights
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
Discussing the state of dementia training for social workers and social care workers
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
Exploring what the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could mean for social work
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 se
Brain Injury, Social Work and Human Rights
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 recognisi
Cultural Capability in Social Work
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 worldvi
Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Social Work—Ethics, Opportunities and Risk
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 help
Exploring the experiences of Indigenous Peoples—resilience, social justice and lessons for social work
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,
What 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 o
Operation Encompass
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 Dra
Reflective Supervision
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 Secreta
Wake Up Call—a conversation exploring first-hand accounts of living in the care system, as detailed in the anthology, ‘Free Loaves on Fridays’
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 a
School Social Work
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
Poverty is a political choice
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 Trussel
A Change Would Do You Good—Exploring BASW’s 2024 General Election Manifesto
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
My Way: exploring independent social work
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 o
‘Don’t park the bus’ — exploring the benefits of coaching in social work
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 discus
‘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, i
Dignity, respect, empowerment: adult safeguarding explored with Dr Jeremy Dixon
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 i
Friends in high places
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
Responding to sibling sexual behaviour and abuse
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 sexu
Meet me where I’m at
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 add
Promote the Vote
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
Social Work with Older People
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 outl
A portrait of the social worker
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, hi
Nothing about us without us
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 McCle
When the going gets tough
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 Cours
Self-Neglect: Exploring the Social Work Response
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 sel
Age assessment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
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
With a Little Help from My Friends
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
Half A World Away
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 I
A Ray of Light?
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
Let's Talk Social Work Live!
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 fr
The safety net is broken: how the cost-of-living crisis is laying bare the failings of our social security system
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 devastat
Social work and the media
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
It's a family affair
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 Fe
Stop, collaborate and listen
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 i
M.E.
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
Social Work in Deeply Divided Societies
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
Promoting anti-racism in social work & society
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
Stable homes, built on air?
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
Beauty, confidence & understanding
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 t
Different ways of thinking
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 n
Social Work in a conflict zone
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 internationa
Two wrongs don’t make a right
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
Out of the Shadows
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 Stra
Criminal Justice Social Work
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 consid
Counterparts
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 th
The Never-Ending Story
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 pl
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
This episode, made to mark World Mental Health Day, explores the delivery structures for mental health social work services in England. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Jason Brandon, Mental Health Social Work Lead at the Office of the Chief Social Worker and Sarah Morris, Principal Social Worker for Adults at North Northamptonshire Council. 
University Challenge
In this episode, Andy McClenaghan is joined by social work students Abigail Doe and Stuart Harrington, and Operational Head of Social Work at the University of Chichester, Dr Denise Turner. They discuss the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on social work students who have trained during the past two and a half years. The conversation examines students’ experiences of
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’
This episode explores the benefits of a community-based, peer support approach to helping people recover from addiction. Joining Andy McClenaghan for the conversation are James Deakin and Sophie McCluskey from North Wales Recovery Communities and Social Worker, Wulf Livingstone. The conversation explores the environment needed for recovery to thrive, the model at the core of the North Wales R
Hunger in the UK
It’s July 2022 and households are being hammered by the highest rate of inflation in 40 years—a rate the Bank of England is predicting will rise above 11 per cent in the autumn. This is placing immense pressure on millions of households across the country. It’s in this context that social worker and anti-poverty campaigner, Dominic Watters, joins Andy McClenaghan to discuss his living experie
Why is anti-racism still crucial to social work practice?
Members of BASW’s Black & Ethnic Minority Professionals Symposium, Pauline Sergeant, Patriche Bentick and Pamela Shodeinde join Andy McClenaghan to discuss how social workers can embed anti-racism as a cornerstone of their work. Paying particular focus to children’s services and mental health social work, this episode explores the issues social workers need to take into consideration to e
Therapy in name only
This episode, made for Pride month 2022, examines the issue of anti-trans discrimination and conversion therapy. Host, Andy McClenaghan, is joined by Chay Brown Director of the trans-rights organisation, TransActual, Rachel Hubbard Senior Lecturer in Social Work at University of the West of England and BASW member, and Jacob Sibley, Director of LGBT Youth in Care. They discuss the discrimination f
A National Indignity
In this episode, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Jamie Robinson, Principal Social Worker at Marie Curie’s Bradford Hospice and Mark Jackson, the charity’s Policy Manager for England to discuss the findings of Marie Curie’s report, Dying in Poverty. They consider the impacts of poverty at the end of life and explore the role of palliative care social work in supporting families where an individual ha
Election Special
This special episode of Let’s Talk Social Work is split into two parts. In the first section Andy McClenaghan is joined by BASW’s Public and Political Affairs Lead, Kerri Prince to discuss the outcomes of the local elections held in England, Scotland and Wales. They consider the impact of the results in in terms of local authority service delivery and what they might mean for the next General Elec
What the tech?
Co-production—we hear about it all the time.It’s common for decision-makers to talk about involving the people who use services in their planning and design, but all too often reality falls far short of aspiration.This episode takes an in-depth look at a unique project which aimed to place service users firmly at the heart of the decision-making process. The context concerns the use of digital com
Speaking Truth to Power
It's been a busy time at Westminster over the last 12 months, with several Bills that concern social work making progress through Parliament. Andy McClenaghan is joined by BASW Chair, Gerry Nosowska and Kerri Prince, BASW’s Public and Political Affairs Lead to discuss the expected impacts of the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill, the Health and Care Bill, and the Nationality an
The hard yards: Campaigning for statutory guidance on restraint & seclusion in educational settings
Revisiting an incredibly important issue, this episode explores the restraint and seclusion of children and young people in educational settings. In June 2021 the podcast episode ‘Ending restraint & seclusion’ examined work to deliver updated guidance on the use of restrictive practices of children with additional needs in schools in Northern Ireland. Since then, much has happened and the
Lifting the lid on family group conferences
Listen as Andy McClenaghan discusses family group conferences with Sarah Brown, Head of Social Work at the University of Kent, Dr Kate Parkinson, Subject Leader in Health and Social Care at the University of Huddersfield and Lucy Gibson, an expert by experience of family group conferencing. They explore what family group conferences are and how they can lead to improved outcomes for children and f
Gold from the Stone—an interview with Lemn Sissay
In this special extended episode, made for World Social Work Day 2022, Lemn Sissay, poet, playwright, broadcaster and Chancellor of the University of Manchester, speaks with Andy McClenaghan about his experience of growing up in care. Reflecting on the ways the care system failed him as a child, Lemn discusses the vital importance of the social work role and considers how social workers can better
The case for care, not coercion
THIS EPISODE FEATURES DISCUSSION OF ISSUES WHICH MAY CAUSE DISTRESS, INCLUDING SUICIDE AND SELF-HARM, AND LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.Andy McClenaghan is joined by Hattie and Hope from #StopSIM Coalition, Mary Buckman, Co-Chair of the BASW England Mental Health Group and Dr Alex Thomson, Vice Chair, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry to discuss the Serenity Inte
The kids aren’t alright—how unregulated placements fail our young people
For our first episode of 2022, Bekah Pierre, a care experienced adult and BASW England Professional Officer, speaks to Andy McClenaghan about her article, 'Revisiting Diary Entries from Care: An Exposition of the Challenges of Unregulated Placement Settings', published in the journal Practice.Bekah reflects on her experience of living in an unregulated placement from the age of 16 and examines the
Social Work, Human Rights & the Children Act — A Conversation with Lady Hale
In this episode, made for Human Rights Day 2021, Lady Brenda Hale, former President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, joins Andy McClenaghan to discuss some of the most significant aspects of a career steeped in human rights and family law.They reflect on Lady Hale’s role, as Law Commissioner, in shaping the Children Act 1989 and examine thorny issues of competing human rights, diving in
The Cost of Living Crisis
As we head into the winter, millions of families across the UK are facing a cost of living crisis. Huge increases in electricity and gas prices, and spikes in the cost of vehicle fuel come in the wake of the Government’s recent decision to remove the £20 uplift to Universal Credit which was helping to keep many families afloat. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Amanda Bailey, Director of th
Anti-Racist Allyship
In this episode, Mit Joyner, President of the National Association of Social Workers (USA) and Shantel Thomas, BASW Anti-Racism Lead join host, Andy McClenaghan to discuss anti-racist allyship. They consider how individuals who are not negatively impacted by racism can support those who are affected in their efforts to dismantle the structures, cultures and attitudes that lead to discrimination an
Money Matters—What the Budget & Spending Review mean for social work
Alex Cunningham MP, Shadow Justice Minister for Courts and Sentencing and former Chair of the Westminster All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Work and BASW UK Public and Political Affairs Lead, Kerri Prince join Andy McClenaghan to discuss what the UK Government’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review mean for social work, social workers and people who use social work services. They consider
Social Work, the Climate Crisis & the Politics of Hope
In our 25th episode we explore a hugely important issue which was touched on all the way back in episode one, when we examined the role of social workers in disasters. To discuss the social work response to the climate crisis and environmental injustice, Andy McClenaghan is joined by Gerry Nosowska, Chair of BASW UK, Professor Lena Dominelli from the University of Stirling and Professor John Barry
Challenging Antisemitism in all its forms
In this episode, Andy McClenaghan is joined by guests Sam Lethbridge, Incidents Manager at the Community Security Trust and Paul Shuttleworth, Professional Officer with BASW England to discuss antisemitism—what it means, what its impacts are and how social workers can stand against and address antisemitism across our society. Both Paul and Sam draw on their personal experiences as Briti
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