The Relational Social Work Podcast

Send us Fan MailFollowing on from last week (if you haven’t listened we would recommend you start there), this week we bring you the second part of the Family Justice Council Debate. This week you will hear questions from those who were at the debate, hosted by Sir Andrew McFarlane, the then President of the Family Justice Council, with our very own Matt, Tom Wilson (1GC Chambers), Dame Annie Hudson, Professor Julie Selwyn CBE (University of Oxford), Cathy Ashley OBE (Family Rights Group), and Lorraine Cavanagh KC (St John’s Buildings). You will find out whether the audience thought term “permanence” helps or hinders outcomes for children, and hear Hannah and Matt’s thoughts on this too.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis weeks’ episode is something a bit different from our usual format. From the sunshine of Matt’s garden, Hannah and Matt listen back to the Family Justice Council Debate which Matt was a part of in December. This episode brings you this debate, which was hosted by Sir Andrew McFarlane, the then President of the Family Justice Council, and alongside Matt, Tom Wilson (1GC Chambers), Dame Annie Hudson, Professor Julie Selwyn CBE (University of Oxford), Cathy Ashley OBE (Family Rights Group), and Lorraine Cavanagh KC (St John’s Buildings) debate whether the term “permanence” helps or hinders outcomes for children.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt’s the first episode of Series 6, and Hannah and Matt kick it off with some football chat before being joined by Jarrod Wheatley (CEO at Professional Individualised Care). This episode explores how Professional Individualised Care has built on work from Germany to approach alternatives to residential care in Australia, bringing experienced professionals from across the sector closer to the care of children, and how enduring, authentic relationships are central to this work.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt’s the final episode of series 5! Hannah and Matt are joined by Rachael Wardell and Ann Graham during the week that Rachael’s ADCS Presidency comes to an end and Ann’s begins. This episode explores what the ADCS has achieved over the past year, and what the focus will be for the year ahead, including discussion about child poverty, reforms and stop and search.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded with a live audience at the Social Work Show in Birmingham. Hannah and Matt are joined by Lisa Harris (Director at Birmingham Children’s Trust), Farai Kanengoni (Operational Lead, Coventry Children’s and Education Services), Mike Hayward (Principal Social Worker, Solihull Children’s Services), Kieron White (CEO, Leading AI), and Neil Thompson (social work academic, author and trainer). Together, with the support of our live audience, we discuss what the future of social work looks like. There is a particular focus on the advancement of AI, the benefits of this to social work, and the challenges and ethical implications that this this poses. Conversation also explores the political context that social work operates within, and how politics impacts social work practice.Please note: This episode was particularly challenging for Producer Arin, with some technical issues during the live recording, so there are some places within this episode where the conversation may sound slightly distorted.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThe intro for this episode was recorded in week two of Coventry’s Ofsted inspection, and starts with Matt and Hannah’s sleep deprived ramblings. Luckily the interview was recorded pre-Ofsted, and Hannah and Matt are joined by Clare Wightman, CEO, and Mel Smith, Deputy CEO, at Grapevine Coventry and Warwickshire. The episode explores Grapevine’s work, the concept of citizen advocacy and the importance of relationships and connection in the context of working with people with learning disabilities. The episode end with some reflections in relation to the recent White Paper, ‘Every child achieving and thriving’, which outlines changes to the special educational needs and disabilities system.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailCoventry got the Ofsted call so this episode is a bit different. Matt is with us for the intro, and then handed over the reigns to Hannah and Producer Arin who popped to the Family Justice Council Conference in Birmingham, where the theme was ‘The role of technology and AI in modern family law: opportunities and challenges’. Hannah spoke with Sir Andrew McFarlane (President of the Family Division and Chair of the Family Justice Council), Lisa Harker (Director at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory), and Julie Young (Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia) about the conference, including why the topic was chosen, how we must hold onto our values as we move forwards with AI, and how technology can support in maintaining important relationship in open adoptions.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded at The Care Leaders Summit in York. The episode starts with Luke Rodgers, Founder and CEO at The Care Leaders, telling us about The Summit. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Karla George (Founder of The Baloo Project), Rosie Blackett (Director of Pro Alliance Sports), John Golding (Founder of PATH), Lee Weston (Founder of Believe and Achieve), and Tia James (Co-Founder of The Bigin Project) who are all fellows of The Care Leaders Fellowship. The episode explores how the fellowship supported Tia, Lee, John, Karla and Rosie on a personal level and to develop their ideas to support the care experienced community, to build their organisations. The episode goes on to consider what needs to change in the care system, before hearing some reflections from delegates from the Summit. The episode ends with an incredible performance by Ric Diaghe, performing a song written especially for The Care Leaders Summit.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode starts with Hannah and Matt talking about reforms to fostering (and caramel lattes). Matt and Hannah are then joined by Harry Ferguson to talk about his latest book, ‘Making Child Protection Work’. The episode explores how over time Harry’s research moved from asking social workers what they do, to immersing himself in social work practice, through ethnographic research, being with social workers in the places where child protection social work happens. Harry shares some of the key themes from his book, emphasising the importance of relational and intimate child protection practice.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded at the West Midlands ADCS Network, Innovate and Grow Conference and explores some exciting innovations happening across West Midlands region. The episode is packed full of guests, with Hannah and Matt joined by Sandeep Virk and Lizzie White to tell us a bit about the West Midlands ADCS Network and the Innovate and Grow Conference; Jane Dunne and Sophie Carter speaking about problem solving approaches with Coventry and Warwickshire Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC); Jo Minife and Eleanor Hedges discuss how they support parents who have had their children removed at Breathe, Trust, Connect, Birmingham Trust; George Davies and Charlotte Bell from Trees, Shropshire, talk about their work with young people at risk of exploitation; Jude Nash chats about how she is supporting the use of AI in the special educational needs and disabilities field; Jayne Stevens talks to us about parents participation in Telford and Wrekin; Lizzie Jones and Becky Steele from the National House Project, and Chloe and Rey, talk about the Care Leavers National Movement, and finally Mike Hayward from Solihull reflects on the importance of the region coming together to share practice through Innovate and Grow. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week Hannah and Matt are joined by Scott Mair, Founder and Director of Fatherhood Solutions and advocate for neurodiverse families and father-inclusive practice. This episode explores the perception of services being designed with mothers in mind, and how this may unintentionally make fathers feel excluded. Scott shares ideas for father inclusive practice, and the impact that this has had through the work of Fatherhood Solutions. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Dr Neil Thompson, social work academic, award winning author and educator. This episode explores the importance of theory in social work practice, and the concept of theorising practice, rather than applying theory to practice. Neil talks about the PCS Analysis that he developed, its relevance in contemporary social work, and the importance of anti-oppressive practice and allyship. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Chloe Grant, Director of Services, and Matt Blow, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, at Become. This episode explores the work that Become does as an organisation, participation, what the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill means relation to care leavers and leaving care teams, and importance of the role of Personal Advisors.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Michelle John, child to parent abuse expert by experience and the founder of PEGS. This episode explores what child to parent abuse is, its prevalence, research into child to parent abuse, and what support there is for children, young people and parents.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt's the first episode of Series 5! We are kicking off the series with an episode that was recorded with a live audience at Compass Jobs Fair in London. Hannah and Matt are joined by Lisa Hackett (Director and Chief Social Worker at Frontline), Jerome Harvey-Agyei (Youth Participation Lead at The Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit), and Kam Kaur (Programme Developer and Consultant at The Parting Apart Programme) to consider the Families First social care reforms, with a particular focus on multi-agency child protection teams. This episode explores the importance of relationships within families, between children, families and practitioners, and between agencies, and if relational practice is possible with child protection intervention.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt’s our Christmas Special and Producer Arin has a mic and is in charge! This episode is nothing like our other episodes, with minimal discussion about social work. However, it does have a Christmas quiz and a Christmassy(ish) story read by Hannah, Matt and Producer Arin.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt’s a The Relational Social Work Podcast first, with this episode being recorded in a broom cupboard. Hannah is joined by Jerome Harvey-Agyei, Co-Founder of The Tope Project and Youth Participation Lead at The Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit. This episode explores the importance of love and human connection, the beauty which can come from pain, and how Jerome shares stories of love, rather than stories of suffering. Hannah is joined by Matt for the intro and reflections, where they have an impromptu (and very unofficial) audition to be the next hosts of Strictly Come Dancing and Matt shares his very exciting news. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Jade Barnett, co-founder, CEO and Director at Power2Prevail Community. This episode explores how Jade turned her care experienced activism into an idea to support care experienced young people in London, and how through working with The Care Leaders Fellowship helped her to turn this idea into reality.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded live from the Madlug Pop-Up Experience in Leeds as part of National Care Leavers Month. Hannah and Matt are joined by three incredible care leavers, Leigh, AJ and Scarlett, as well as Dave Linton (Founder and CEO of Madlug), Phoebe White (Policy and Influencing Manager, National Youth Advocacy Service), Danny Hooper (Life Long Links Co-Ordinator, Coventry City Council), Beth Vecchione (Founder and CEO of Care to Dance) and Luke Rodgers (Founder and CEO of The Care Leaders). This episode explores the importance of relationships, community, belonging, and showcases some incredible talent, with singer/ songwriter Leigh and dancer Scarlett performing as part of the pod.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt is joined by Rachael Wardell, President of the Associate of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), to discuss what has happened during her presidency. The discussion includes progress with the social care reforms, child poverty, how the ADCS and its members have responded to unrest across the country and Rachael’s hopes for the remainder of her term. Hannah joins Matt for the intro and reflections.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Mary Jackson, Chief Executive at Frontline. This episode explores what Frontline does as a charitable organisation, through the qualifying programme and support for newly qualified social workers; leadership programmes; and supporting innovation. Conversations delve into to the strengths of Frontline’s programmes, as well as some of the criticisms, the importance of systemic thinking in social work and how a hub model can support this. This episode also considers the gap left from funding being withdrawn for the Pathways Leadership Programme and how Frontline may support local authorities as they implement social care reforms.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week Hannah and Matt are not only joined by guests, Sophie Clarke, Managing Director at We Are Juno, Joanne Smith, Interim Head of Commissioning at Liverpool City Council Children and Young People Services, and Scott Darragh, Chief Executive at Social Adventures, but also have a guest host, Shoayb Khalifa, Operational Lead for Placements and Commissioning at Coventry City Council. This episode explores the rising cost of residential care, and the marketisation of the public sector, and how local authorities could approach commissioning differently to keep children and young people in care living in their cities, while ensuring that they live in the best homes, receiving the best care, that sticks with them, surrounding them with love.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Jonny Hoyle, care experienced social worker, and Group Manager for Leaving Care at North Yorkshire Council. This episode explores Jonny’s personal and professional experience, from being in care to working for the council, and how AI has supported social work practice in North Yorkshire. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Hannah and Matt are joined by Katia Parent who is a social worker who works for the Prison Advice and Care Trust. This episode explores the pilot that Katia has been a part of, having social workers in women's prisons, to support mothers separated from their children, and the importance of relationships in this work.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Lorna Stabler, Research Fellow at CASCADE(Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre).  This episode explores Lorna’s personal and professional experience of kinship care, from her own experience as a kinship carer, and her research and wider research into this area.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Nadia, Fran and Eugene, social workers and co-founders of Social Matters. This episode explores diversity, inclusion and belonging, particularly focussing on anti-racist practice and allyship; emphasising the importance of relationships and hope, and considering the role of social work at a time when there is so much division across the UK. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Rebekah Pierre, care-experienced author, social worker, campaigner and Deputy Director of Article 39. Hannah and Matt chat to Rebekah about Free Loaves on Fridays, the work of Article 39, and Rebekah's recommendations for local authorities in supporting care experienced people in accessing their records. Please note: There are some slight sound issues within this episode. They do not last long so please keep on listening. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailWe are back for Series 4 after our summer break! In this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Luke Rodgers, founder at CEO at The Care Leaders to talk about The Care Leaders Fellowship. This episode explores what The Care Leaders Fellowship is, and some of the amazing innovations which have been supported through this. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Producer Arin's back with a mic, posing listener questions to Matt and Hannah, many of which are social work related. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded in Leeds at National Leaving Care Bench Marking Forum with Harlie, Victoria, Dyllan and Mark from the Young Person Bench Marking Forum. This episode explores what Young Person Bench Marking Forum is, and key recommendations which have come out of the ‘In Their Own Words’ Report in relation to working with and supporting care experienced young people.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode focusses on reunification, with the main body of the episode recorded at the Reunification Conference in Coventry. The episode features Matt’s opening of the conference, followed by speakers from the day and the voices of families and practitioners from Coventry’s reunification service.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week Matt and Hannah are joined by Luke Rodgers, a lived experienced leader, award winning social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Care Leaders. This episode explores the reasons behind why Luke made the decision to stop sharing his own story of being in care, his views on care experience as a protected characteristic, and key messages for social workers about working with children in care and care leavers. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week Hannah and Matt are joined by Lemn Sissay, poet, writer and founder and trustee of the Gold from the Stone Foundation. In this episode Lemn shares his experiences of being a young person in care and leaving care, and the importance of love and care in the care system. We discuss poetry, writing, the Gold from the Stone Foundation, and Lemn flips the episode and asks Matt and Hannah about their experiences of social work.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week Matt and Hannah are joined by Catherine Gladwell, Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Actions UK to talk about the importance of education for refugee and asylum-seeking children. The episode explores some of the insights that Catherine has gained from working with children, young people and teachers through humanitarian work, and how this led to her founding Refugee Education UK.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode begins by Hannah and Matt discussing the tragic event which happened at the Liverpool Premier League celebrations, and the reaction to this in the media and online. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Dr Lisa Cherry, to talk about her new book, ‘Weaving a Web of Belonging’. The episode explores trauma informed practice, key messages from the book, and Lisa’s health and the impact that her diagnosis and the medication has had on her. The episode ends with reflections from Coventry practitioners who attended Lisa’s book launch which took place on the same day that the podcast was recorded.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Jo Williams, an independent social work consultant, author and research, with a particular interest in supervision and social work leadership. This episode explores the components of good quality supervision, and how supervision does not only take place within one-to-one and group settings, but that situational supervision happens in the spaces in between. This episode also explores the impact of home and hybrid working since Covid-19 on team relationships and supervision.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Donald Forrester, Professor of Child and Family Social Work at Cardiff University, the Director of CASCADE the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, and the Deputy Director SCALE the Centre Social Care and Artificial Intelligence Learning. The episode explores the use of AI in social work, the importance of love in social work practice, and how social workers have difficult but necessary conversations with the families that they work with.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Cllr Pat Seaman, Lead Member for Children’s at Coventry City Council. Pat talks about the importance of relationships, community and help being available for families when they are in need. We discuss Pat’s journey into politics and the role that local politics plays in how Children’s Services is delivered, and the role of the Lead Member for Children’s Services.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode starts by announcing which two of our newsletter subscribers are the first winners of a Madlug bag and some podcast merchandise. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. The episode explores Isabelle’s role as Chief Social Worker, and social work as a political profession. Isabelle shares learning from Pathfinders and how this will support Local Authorities to rethink and redesign services, with a particular focus on Multi Agency Child Protection Teams and the interface with Family Help. Conversations explore the benefits, challenges, dilemmas and tensions of lead practitioners in the Family Help space who are not social work qualified, and how multi agency teams in child protection can support better decision making and enhance practice with children and families. Isabelle then shares her thoughts around progression routes for social workers and what gives her hope for the future of social work.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah speak with Rachael Wardell, Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning (DCS) at Surrey County Council and President of The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). This episode explores the work of the ADCS and Rachael’s hopes for her presidency, including tackling child poverty, championing diverse senior leadership in Children’s Services, and social care reforms. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailWe are back after having a break over Easter with the first episode of Series 3! In this episode, Matt and Hannah chat with Dave Linton, founder and CEO at Madlug. This episode explores how Dave went from being a youth worker to a social entrepreneur, after hearing how many children in care have to move their belongings in bin bags, and that the Madlug movement aims to end this, and celebrate how incredible young people in care and leaving care are. This episode also announces an exciting partnership between Madlug and The Relational Social Work Podcast. Producer Arin was joined for the episode by Assistant Producer Bailey, a Coventry care leaver, who did an amazing job at keeping Arin in check!Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIt’s the final episode of Series 2! In this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Laurie Kilby, Co-Founder and Practice Lead at the charity Now Foster. This episode explores Weekenders, an innovative approach to foster care, based on wrapping love and support around young people, building life long relationships and connection, and taking on the role of a foster aunt or uncle, rather than foster parent. This scheme enables people to step into fostering who might not otherwise have fostered, staying with children throughout their lives, & providing opportunities and experiences based around the needs of the young person.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode was recorded at Compass Jobs Fair in Birmingham with a live studio audience. First Matt and Hannah speak with Kellie Doubtfire (Publishing and Events Director at Compass) about Compass and Social Work Today, before speaking with a panel of guests: Beverley Barnett-Jones (Associate Director at Nuffield Family Justice Observatory), Rich Devine, (Consultant Social Worker), Hannah McCowen (National Leaving Care Bench Marking Forum Manager at Catch 22) and Tim Fisher (Practice Lead at the charity, Kinship). This episode explores how Children’s Services navigates its role within society where there is division, inequality, uncertainty and hatred, and how social work can work alongside children, young people and families, acting with love and finding hope.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode was recorded at the Family Justice Council Conference in Birmingham. Hannah and Matt are joined first by Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, Head of Family Justice and Chair of the Family Justice Council, to discuss the role of the Family Justice Council before sharing some key messages for social workers about working in proceedings. Jenny Beck KC, Solicitor, Private Law representative on the Family Justice Council and Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory Board then speaks with Matt and Hannah about supporting neurodivergent children and families in the Family Justice system. Hannah also speaks with a number of delegates at the conference about their key takeaways from the day.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Hannah and Matt chat with Ryan O’Donnell, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunlight and previous foster carer in America, about his experience of fostering a young boy who had “no family” and how a chance encounter found his father. This episode explores a journey of reunification which saw many injustices for a black father and his son, the friendship that developed between Ryan and this father, and how Ryan and his wife advocated throughout for the little boy, his father and paternal family to bring them together.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Matt and Hannah speak with Yvette Stanley, National Director of Social Care at Ofsted about inspection and regulation. The episode explores how Ofsted captures relationships, love and care in their reports, and how they have embraced relational practice. Yvette talks about the changes that are coming to the ILACS (Inspecting Local Authority Children’s Services) framework, how this fits with social care reforms, how Ofsted views practice approaches, and how they are embedded in Local Authorities. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Matt and Hannah chat with Sue Hammersley, Director at National House Project, and Chloe, Care Leavers National Movement Champion, about the work of the National House Project and changing the narrative in relation to young people with care experience. The episode explores the importance of relationships, and how these relationships support young people leaving care moving into their own homes. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Dez Holmes, Director of Research in Practice and Strategic Director of the National Children’s Bureau, talks with Matt and Hannah about evidence informed practice, the complexities of relational practice and how practice is a by-product of systems, leadership and infrastructure.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Hannah and Matt are joined from New Zealand by Tony Stanley, National Practice Advisor at Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children. The episode explores child protection practice in both New Zealand and the UK and the importance of practice frameworks as a scaffold for social work practice. Tony talks with Matt and Hannah about Family Group Conferences and provides a critique on the term ‘family-led’ in social work.Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode starts with Matt and Hannah’s reflections on the discussion they with Josh MacAlister last week. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Anna Glinski, Deputy Director of the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse. The episode explores some of the recommendations of The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s report into protecting and responding to child sexual abuse within the family environment, and the importance of practitioners feeling confident to talk about sexual abuse. Anna shares tips and insights into working with children and families where there has been sexual abuse, or suspected sexual abuse, and how practice in this area is hopeful. Thank you for listening to The Relational Social Work Podcast. We are always interested to learn what you thought of the episode and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future topics. Stay connected and join the conversation on our social media channels! LinkedIn: The relational Social Work PodcastInstagram: @RelationalSWVisit Our Website and Subscribe to our mailing list: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com