Josh MacAlister: 7 priorities to follow in his new Children and Families role

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.

This week our hosts are exploring this news story, about a social worker convicted of fraud after it was discovered she was working three jobs at the same time. Vince and Cara discuss the wider context of the story, reflecting on the cost-of-living crisis, stagnant wages, and how side hustles and second jobs are becoming increasingly common in social work. Was this pure greed and dishonesty...or does context matter...? Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week our social work hosts are taking a closer look at DASH - Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based violence checklist - after it was revealed that 55 women were killed after being assessed as low risk under the police tool. Vince and Cara outline the system, examine the concerns, and debate whether reliance on tick-box assessments undermines professional judgement. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation.

This week, inspired by THIS feature, our social work hosts are reflecting on the financial realities for social workers today, and discussing the benefits of side hustles - and how they can provide breathing space financially - without breaching professional boundaries. Want to know more...? Created by social workers, for social workers, join the conversation every Friday morning

This week, inspired by THIS column at mysocialworknews.com, our host Cara reflects on her personal experiences of incorporating "little treats" into challenging workdays and their impact on motivation and wellbeing. Together, she and Vince discuss how small acts of self-kindness can transform the work experience and enhance productivity and emotional resilience. Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.    

On this week's podcast, our social work hosts, Vince and Cara, discuss Social Work England's decision to increase registration fees despite overwhelming opposition, and examine reactions from frontline social workers. What do YOU think? Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week, our social work hosts delve into what psychological safety means in professional environments, explore how it enables better professional decision-making, and reflect on how it can improve employee wellbeing and reduce burnout. They also share personal insights and experiences. Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

This week, our social work hosts reflect on what's more important - money or happiness - as they explore the dispute over market-rate pay increases for social workers at Brighton & Hove City Council, and the strike action taken in response. They reflect on the significance of equitable pay in maintaining morale and job satisfaction among social workers, and debate how clear career pathways and development opportunities compare to immediate pay increases. Join the conversation, every Friday. Created by social workers, for social workers.

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.