PODCAST · society
Let's Talk Social Work
by BASW
Welcome to Let’s Talk Social Work, the podcast from the British Association of Social Workers. This is a space for conversation—discussion with social workers, the individuals they support, and colleagues working in related professions. We consider the key matters affecting social workers as we explore contemporary issues with a focus at both the local and global levels. The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of the Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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I like to move it - How Social Workers can promote physical activity for Disabled Adults
As a Social Worker, have you ever considered how you can support Disabled Adults to participate in physical activity? Many Disabled People still face too many barriers to becoming more active. Research shows that Social Workers are actually extremely well placed to help break these barriers down,...
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Our Pets are our Family – Discussing the emergence of Veterinary Social Work in the UK
The UK is a nation of animal lovers, demonstrated by the growing popularity of pet ownership. People form strong attachments with their pets, making them an integral part of our homes, families, wellbeing and lives. As a result, Veterinary Social Work is fast becoming a valued and recognised...
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Ending the Cliff Edge for Care Leavers
The sharp drop in support that young people in the care system experience when they turn eighteen is described as a ‘cliff edge’. It poses a daunting and anxious prospect for care leavers across the UK, who are often expected to navigate the world alone at a point in their life when they need...
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Who you gonna call? - The BASW/SWU Advice & Representation Team
Social workers sometimes need help too. Whether it’s to resolve a workplace conflict, navigate a fitness to practice referral, manage complex or difficult cases, or to seek advice on an employment matter, knowing where to turn when facing professional challenges is critical. The temptation might…
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I’m not Invisible: Supporting children living with a parent in prison
Too often, young people have been the silent victims of the justice system. As our prison population gets bigger, so do the numbers of young people living with a parent incarcerated. They form one of the most overlooked groups in our society, with little known about their needs or experiences.…
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Exploring the relationship between supervision and practice with children and families
Supervision and home visits are central to social work with children and families, yet the interaction between them is rarely considered. Given the importance that social workers place on them both, it seems strange that we tend only to evaluate the influence of supervision through its impact on...
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Centenary Episode: In Conversation with Baroness Lister CBE
One hundred not out for Let’s Talk Social Work! To mark our centenary, we’re delighted to welcome Baroness Ruth Lister CBE onto the podcast for a unique ‘in conversation’ episode on a host of topic areas, from social justice to human rights, asylum and immigration, child safeguarding, and raising...
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“I am the Safeguard, and I am Alone” - Carers, Nearest Relatives, and the Reality of the Mental Health Act
Have you ever considered what the role of a Nearest Relative is like? Under the Mental Health Act for England and Wales, any one of us could be thrust into the role, carrying the weight of its legal responsibilities, pressures of supporting our family member, and navigating the ever-complex…
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Scotland and Wales Decide
Significant elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales this year. With the current political mood so unpredictable, the make-up of Holyrood in Edinburgh and the Senedd in Cardiff could be very different after May. And given that social work in Scotland and Wales is the full responsibility…
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What does the future hold for social work and BASW?
Let’s Talk Social Work is kickstarting 2026 with a broad episode exploring the state of the profession in the UK. Host Jonny Adamson is joined by BASW Interim Chief Executive, Professor Sam Baron, BASW England Acting Chair, Shantel Thomas, and Professional Officer at the Scottish Association of...
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The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Babies and Infants
One third of domestic abuse begins during pregnancy, rising to 40% within a baby’s first 1001 days of life. It contributes to around one in four babies entering care, making it the highest-ranking factor for children’s safeguarding. Despite landmark legislation being introduced across the UK to...
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Can we go higher? Opportunities for further education in social work
Higher degrees, such as a Master’s or a Doctoral, can prove extremely valuable for social workers and their practice. But is it a realistic and accessible option for social workers to undertake further education while still working? When you factor in a lack of time, unmanageable workloads,...
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Beware of the Dog - how should social workers manage encounters with dogs?
Social workers frequently come into contact with dogs in their practice. Yet until now, it hasn't featured in social work research, education, training and guidance. A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Work entitled ‘We’re not professionals when it comes to dogs:’ Social…
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The Handover
After 93 episodes, Andy McClenaghan is moving on from hosting Let’s Talk Social Work. Following a short break, the podcast will return in the autumn and will be hosted by BASW’s Jonny Adamson. In this episode, Andy is joined by Jonny to discuss the past four and a half years making Let’s Talk...
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Solidarity Forever: exploring the role of social work in promoting international solidarity and human rights
This special episode has been made to celebrate World Social Work Day 2025, the theme of which is ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing’. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Professor Cecilia Bailliet, United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international...
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Discussing the state of dementia training for social workers and social care workers
In episode 91 Andy McClenaghan is joined by Abigail Gagen, Emily Hindle and Angie Button to discuss how dementia affects people’s lives and explore how social workers and social care workers can meet the needs of people with dementia and their families. Emily is Policy Manager with the…
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Exploring what the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could mean for social work
In the first episode of Let’s Talk Social Work of 2025 Andy McClenaghan is joined by Chair of the British Association of Social Workers, Julia Ross, Chair of BASW’s Policy Ethics and Human Rights Committee, Annie Ho and Co-Chair of the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers, Glynis Berry…
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Brain Injury, Social Work and Human Rights
In this episode, made to mark Human Rights Day 2024, Andy and his guests explore the issue of brain injury and how social workers can best support people with a brain injury to ensure their rights are upheld. Social workers who work with individuals affected by brain injury need to have a clear...
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Cultural Capability in Social Work
The UK is a richly diverse society and social workers will frequently work with children, families and individuals whose cultural heritage differs from their own. As we have discussed many times on the podcast, social work is a relationship-based profession and it is difficult to form good...
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Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Social Work—Ethics, Opportunities and Risk
In this episode, Andy and his guests discuss Artificial Intelligence in social work. They explore the concept from three angles—how might AI play a role in social care in terms of direct support for people who use services, how might it assist social workers in their practice and finally, how is…
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Exploring the experiences of Indigenous Peoples—resilience, social justice and lessons for social work
In our first episode back after the summer break we discuss the experiences of Indigenous People, exploring issues of resilience and social justice and examining lessons for social work. Helping Andy to explore this incredibly important issue are Professor Hilary Weaver and Professor Janet…
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What does the Labour landslide mean for adult social care in England?
In the last episode of the podcast before we take a break for the summer, Andy and guests have an opportunity to reflect on the outcome of the UK general election and explore what the changed political landscape will mean for adult social care in England, reflecting on potential impacts for…
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Operation Encompass
In this episode, number 84 in our series, Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss Operation Encompass—a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse. Andy is joined by founders of Operation…
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Reflective Supervision
In this episode we explore reflective supervision—what it is, how it can benefit social workers by improving their wellbeing and job satisfaction, and ultimately, how it can improve practice. The Social Workers Union, in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University has recently published a…
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Wake Up Call—a conversation exploring first-hand accounts of living in the care system, as detailed in the anthology, ‘Free Loaves on Fridays’
Andy is joined by Bekah Pierre and Alice Spencer to discuss the wonderful anthology—Free Loaves on Fridays. Free Loaves on Fridays is a collection of stories and essays, poems, reflections and open letters, detailing the lives of care experienced people. It is a special work—bursting with…
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School Social Work
School social work is long established in the USA but in its infancy in Northern Ireland. This episode examines the nature of school social work with a view to learning from the discipline in the United States and exploring how this understanding can be applied to the emerging practice in…
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Poverty is a political choice
Following our last episode exploring the BASW UK General Election Manifesto, we examine the issue of poverty and what needs to change to improve the circumstances of millions of people across the UK. Comprising two sections, first Andy is joined by friend of the podcast, social worker and...
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A Change Would Do You Good—Exploring BASW’s 2024 General Election Manifesto
A general election is coming. When it will be, no one is quite sure, but what we do know is what needs to change to improve situations for social workers and the people who use social work services. This is the focus of this episode of Let’s Talk Social Work as Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss...
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My Way: exploring independent social work
With independence comes opportunities as well as risks. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Independent social workers Michelle Strain, Jo Fox and Gareth McGibbon to explore the benefits as well as the costs of stepping out and practicing as an Independent social worker. They discuss the variety of…
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‘Don’t park the bus’ — exploring the benefits of coaching in social work
A first for Let’s Talk Social Work, Andy McClenaghan and guests discuss the benefits of coaching in social work. The conversation explores what coaching is and how engaging in coaching can be an opportunity to receive support and guidance, develop skills and navigate career paths, and how it is a...
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‘Rise up with me against the organisation of misery’
“If health has stopped improving it is a sign that society has stopped improving.” These are the words of Professor Sir Michael Marmot in the report Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years on. In this special episode of Let’s Talk Social Work, made to celebrate World Social Work Day...
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Dignity, respect, empowerment: adult safeguarding explored with Dr Jeremy Dixon
Dignity, respect, empowerment: adult safeguarding explored with Dr Jeremy Dixon Episode 75 of Let’s Talk Social Work explores adult safeguarding—the policies, procedures, and practices aimed at protecting adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This is work guided by...
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Friends in high places
This episode explores social work and government policy in Wales. That’s not unusual for Let’s Talk Social Work, but what is a little different is that we will be considering these issues with the focus placed on an individual and the role they have played in shaping both. Since 2018 the Welsh...
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Responding to sibling sexual behaviour and abuse
This episode of the podcast features discussion of issues that may cause distress, including sexual harm and abuse by siblings, and listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Andy is joined by social worker Anna Glinski, Deputy Director for Knowledge & Practice Development at the Centre of...
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Meet me where I’m at
The first episode of Let’s Talk Social Work of 2024 explores a fantastic, coproduced training project run by the Western Health and Social Care Trust which equips social workers to better support families affected by addiction. The discussion examines the effects addiction has on families and...
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Promote the Vote
In this episode, made to mark Human Rights Day, we’re examining a really fascinating subject—the Promote the Vote project. The project helps social workers support people with learning disabilities to make use of their right to vote. Despite the UK being a signatory to the UN Convention on the...
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Social Work with Older People
This episode explores the findings of the Social Work with Older People research project led by the University of Birmingham and the University of Bristol. The project has sought to examine the role social workers play in supporting older people, carers, and families to transform situations. It...
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A portrait of the social worker
This episode is a break from the norm. It doesn’t explore an area of practice, a social policy issue or a campaign. Rather, it is a discussion of a life in social work. The life in question is that of Patrick O’Dea who earlier this year published his memoir—I who had it figured out. The book…
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Nothing about us without us
What does it look like when experts by experience are fully involved in shaping and informing social work education? What does the role entail? How can universities avoid tokenism and ensure meaningful engagement? What are the benefits for social work students, people who use services and the...
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When the going gets tough
Social work is a demanding role and even under the best of circumstances, as social workers support individuals to improve life opportunities, they will face difficulties and stresses associated with their work. Andy McClenaghan is joined by Dr Jennifer Simpson and Sam Pulman to explore the theme...
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Self-Neglect: Exploring the Social Work Response
Episode 66 of Let’s Talk Social Work examines a subject which previously hasn’t been explored on the podcast. The discussion focuses on self-neglect—what it is, the ways in which it affects people and how social workers can respond. We look at how the social work approach to supporting people who...
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Age assessment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
This episode of Let’s Talk Social Work explores the incredibly important topic of the age assessment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Immigration policy is in the news almost daily at present and ensuring that the needs of children seeking asylum in the UK are met underscores the vital...
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With a Little Help from My Friends
In this episode Andy McClenaghan and guests explore the therapeutic role artistic and musical creativity can play in improving mental health. Andy is joined by experts by experience Ash and Molly and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service Social Worker…
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Half A World Away
Recorded just before the summer break, Andy McClenaghan and guests, Priya David and Duc Tran, discuss some of the many issues faced by overseas social workers who have come to the UK to practice. Priya and Duc are Co-Chairs of the BASW Diaspora Special Interest Group and offer insights into the...
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A Ray of Light?
For the past year and a half, the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services has examined the challenges facing the delivery of children’s services across Northern Ireland. On 21 June, Lead Reviewer, Professor Ray Jones published his findings and recommendations for change. Host, Andy...
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Let's Talk Social Work Live!
This very special episode was recorded live in front of an audience on Monday 12 June, ahead of the BASW UK conference at Conference Aston in Birmingham. The theme of the discussion is exploring the role of podcasts as a learning resource. What do social workers gain from engaging in podcasts…
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The safety net is broken: how the cost-of-living crisis is laying bare the failings of our social security system
In this episode we return to the issue of poverty in the UK. The country remains gripped by the cost-of-living crisis, and while we are all being affected, for some, rising prices represent an inconvenience. But, for those who prior to the crisis were experiencing poverty, and for many millions…
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Social work and the media
Does media coverage reflect the public’s opinions of social work, or does it shape them? Has the tone of coverage changed over the years, and do pressures on journalists working in media outlets limit the extent to which coverage can address the complexities and nuances of social work related...
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It's a family affair
In February, Let’s Talk Social Work examined the Government’s strategy for children’s social care in England, Stable Homes Built on Love, and we’re returning to an important issue discussed in that episode—kinship care. Andy McClenaghan is joined by kinship carer, Natalie Boyes, Sam Turner, Head…
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Stop, collaborate and listen
In this very special episode, Andy McClenaghan interviews Nana Akwasi Yabbey-Hagan and Robert Dyer, the hosts of The Social Worker and the Mentor podcast. They discuss the importance of promoting Black excellence in social work and wider society, the importance of building rapport with young...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Let’s Talk Social Work, the podcast from the British Association of Social Workers. This is a space for conversation—discussion with social workers, the individuals they support, and colleagues working in related professions. We consider the key matters affecting social workers as we explore contemporary issues with a focus at both the local and global levels.
The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of the Association.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
BASW
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Let's Talk Social Work have?
Let's Talk Social Work currently has 106 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Let's Talk Social Work about?
Welcome to Let’s Talk Social Work, the podcast from the British Association of Social Workers. This is a space for conversation—discussion with social workers, the individuals they support, and colleagues working in related professions. We consider the key matters affecting social workers as we...
How often does Let's Talk Social Work release new episodes?
Let's Talk Social Work publishes regularly with 106 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Let's Talk Social Work?
You can listen to Let's Talk Social Work on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Let's Talk Social Work?
Let's Talk Social Work is created and hosted by BASW.
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