Sara Sharif: What the serious case review tells us

In this week’s episode, Vince and Cara unpack the newly published Serious Case Review into the death of Sara Sharif, and what it really means for frontline social work. They break down the missed opportunities, the multi-agency drift, the blind spots around home education, and the “no one joined the dots” theme shaping public debate. A thoughtful, essential listen for anyone working in or alongside children’s services. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.  

n this week’s episode, Cara and Vince dive into the growing crisis of confidence surrounding Social Work England. With a major independent review now under way, they explore whether trust can truly be rebuilt after fee hikes, backlogs, and a near £1m underspend that has left the profession questioning its regulator’s direction. From cultural concerns to calls for meaningful reform, they ask what accountability should look like - and whether regulation can ever feel supportive again. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.

This week, Vince and Cara unpack new national figures showing rising numbers of children identified as “in need,” but fewer placed on child protection plans. Our hosts explore whether stretched services, higher thresholds, and workforce pressures are shaping how risk is managed on the frontline. Is early help keeping families safe, or masking hidden harm as demand continues to climb? Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

In this powerful episode, our hosts Vince and Cara dive into new findings revealing that domestic abuse is identified in nearly nine out of ten family court cases - yet still too often treated as a side issue. They unpack how the system’s pro-contact culture can place victims at risk, the structural barriers that keep courts from prioritising safety, and the emotional toll this takes on social workers. With personal reflections, examples of good practice, and a call for reform, this is a must-listen for anyone working in or alongside the family justice system. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation, every Friday morning.

This week, our hosts Cara and Vince explore how to stay compassionate and engaged in a world that feels heavier than ever. From doomscrolling and online outrage to activism fatigue and the myth of “doing it all,” they ask how social workers can keep caring without burning out. Cara reflects on her recent article, while Vince unpacks the pressure to be publicly political and the toll of constant bad news. Together, they share practical ways to protect your peace, find perspective, and hold onto hope - even when everything feels overwhelming. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.  

In this week's episode, our social work hosts discuss the reality of NFA in practice - the point at which CPS or the police decide not to proceed due to 'insufficient evidence.'   Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week's podcast, inspired by THIS story, sees our hosts explore the concept of social vampires - the people or dynamics that constantly take without giving, leaving us depleted. Vince and Cara examine how this relates to social work, from bureaucracy, and toxic workplace cultures, to overly demanding colleagues, and even unhealthy client dynamics. Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week our hosts break down the numbers behind THIS story at www.mysocialworknews.com, reflecting on the CIPD findings, exploring factors such as the pandemic after-effects, cost of living crisis, NHS pressures, and changing working patterns, and examining workplace culture, increased stress, burnout, and lack of boundaries with remote/hybrid work. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week our hosts are talking about Charlie Kirk - reflecting on his views and on the profession’s responsibility to call out harmful rhetoric without endorsing harm, and talking about the circumstances of his death and the public shock. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.

This week our social work hosts, Vince and Cara, are talking about the news that Josh MacAlister has been appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education, taking on the role of children’s minister following Janet Daby’s departure in the government reshuffle. Here are seven key changes they predict think will be coming... Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.