Why are home visits invisible from Statutory Guidance? and how does it affect social work

Home visits are the main site where social work happens. And yet they are barely mentioned in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 or any version of Working Together before it.In this episode I'm exploring why this matters, what Harry Ferguson's research tells us about children being invisible on home visits, and why statutory invisibility leads to practice invisibility. I also wonder, in an increasingly virtual world, what happens to the home visit as a skill if we never name it as one?If you are a social worker wanting practical strategies for home visit confidence, The Social Work Collective Academy on Patreon has a full Home Visit Masterclass, a new podcast episode on six things to do before every home visit, and the Practice Pause Library guided audios specifically for before and after visits.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant. Content is intended to support professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for supervision, statutory guidance or your organisation's policies and procedures.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.