Immigration and volunteering, Digitising the NHS

One year of episodes! Number 45 finds Debra and Peter in full flow, fresh from twin birthdays and a Swiss mountain of sourdough.This week they tackle a big one for the sector: the new idea tying immigration status to volunteering. Debra argues it tramples the spirit of volunteering and risks turning a gift into a threat. Peter tests the counter case to see if there is any value in encouraging connection and community understanding, before both land on what really matters for civil society.That opens up a wider conversation about how we make up our minds. Hearts or data. Speed of thought or depth of thought. Why cut through is useful, but only if it points to the right things. There are shout‑outs to smart thinking, poor framing, and the danger of letting slogans do the heavy lifting.Finally, they look at the NHS going more digital. Online bookings and video consults can be brilliant, provided no one is left out. Debra shares practical wins and frustrations, Peter recounts an epic rearranging saga, and they both weigh up convenience against the risk of missing the human cues that keep people safe.Have a listen, then tell us what you think in the comments. If you’ve binged all 22 and a half hours since episode one, we salute you and gently suggest a cup of tea.Links mentioned:• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow • Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast conversation with Richard Osman - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richard-osman/id1704806594?i=1000716764317 • Joanne Lockwood’s article on personal benefit bias - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jolockwood_most-people-on-linkedin-wont-click-through-activity-7378677611574538240-pZ7U?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXFFmEBuE48r931JfDxY9By6LgWGDUJkvU• NHS plans to expand online access and appointments - https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/09/new-nhs-online-hospital-to-give-patients-more-control-over-their-care/Send your questions to [email protected] or comment below for the next episode.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blázquez