Social work on the cusp of radical change

Inspired by THIS news story, about the recent appointment of young Reform councillors Joseph Boam (22) and Charles Pugsley (19) at Leicestershire County Council, our hosts are discussing public and professional reactions. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

Inspired by THIS column, this week our hosts are exploring how parenting supervision and surveillance have dramatically changed in the past 40 years, discussing the freedom versus safety debate. As they discuss examples from the past, and reflects on the social and cultural reasons behind these practices, and the shifts in social work's view of child welfare and protection, they consider what these practices suggest about changing attitudes toward child safety. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

Inspired by THIS article and THIS column, this week our hosts are exploring the idea of Artificial Intelligence in social work, highlighting potential benefits - such as reduced admin and streamlined processes - and exploring concerns - particularly regarding empathy, professional judgment, and ethical decision-making. They also discuss changes to agency work, and the impact of shifting political landscapes on the profession. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

On this week's show, our hosts provide an overview of Social Work England’s new 'Change the Script' campaign, highlighting the research findings about negative public perceptions of social workers, and the importance of changing the narrative. They discuss how negative media portrayals impact social workers, and reflect on why altering public perception is crucial for the profession's future.   Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

Inspired by this news story about Tommy Sheridan this week, our podcast hosts debate the specific factors influencing decisions about employing individuals with criminal convictions in sensitive professional roles. They discuss potential risks, public trust, and safeguarding concerns, highlight the importance of rehabilitation, and explore how a balanced approach can be achieved, ensuring both protection of vulnerable individuals and fairness in employment opportunities. Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

On this week’s episode, our social work hosts reflect on how social work has deepened their empathy and compassion, and improved their personal relationships and interactions. Created by social workers, for social workers Join the conversation every Friday morning.

On this week’s episode, our hosts discuss how working in social work has shaped their views on social justice, inequalities, and systemic challenges. They reflect on how their personal views sometimes clash with those of friends, and share strategies for managing their emotional responses. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social worker, for social workers.

This week our hosts are taking a closer look at the recent Supreme Court ruling, summarising the key outcomes and its implications. Together, they examine how political parties are navigating this issue, the tensions it has created, and the implications of the ruling for social work practice - particularly around single-sex services and safeguarding issues. Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week, our hosts Vince and Cara are reflecting on two stories published at mysocialworknews.com this week: Is it appropriate to be friends with your manager? and My best friend at work is leaving for a new job, and it hurts worse than a break-up as they explore boundaries, the potential for conflict, and how friendships can enhance or complicate professional roles. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation, every Friday morning.  

On this week's podcast, five years on from the pandemic, our hosts discuss their initial personal and professional reactions to the start of lockdown, recalling the early challenges and uncertainties - from remote working to increased safeguarding concerns. Vince and Cara reflect on the lasting changes in practice introduced during the pandemic, including remote assessments and virtual meetings, and share the experiences of emotional strain, isolation, and resilience among social workers during this time. What are the key lessons, and how can we can better prepare for future crises? Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.