1a Sustainable social work

In our first podcast of Series 8, we give an overview of how we look after ourselves, keep going and thrive in this vital work. We explore evidence of the pressures on social workers and consider a framework to help us maintain ourselves in this tricky context.

1b What does helpful social work mean to you?

In this podcast we talk to Paul Bridgewater about the experience of being a social worker in a range of communities, including on small islands. Paul talks about how a social worker can get to know a context and people, and build a relationship that offers a way to help someone make sense of their experiences and uphold their rights.

6a Doing nothing

We continue our exploration of the use of self in social work. In this final episode, we talk about the situations and moments when we need to be still and do nothing. We consider the importance of stillness, silence and waiting. And how we can create space for people when they need this.

5a Neurodiversity

We continue our exploration of the use of self in social work. In this episode we talk about neurodiversity in social work, and the importance of acknowledging and learning about diverse ways of experiencing the world. And, particularly, the importance of hearing the growing voice of the neurodivergent community, including in social work.

4a Taste and smell

We continue our exploration of the use of self in social work by looking at the entwined senses of taste and smell. Though often overlooked in practice, these strongly influence our perceptions and our emotions. In this podcast, we explore how social workers can notice and respond to taste and smell, and all that they evoke.

3a Touch

We continue our exploration of the use of self in social work. In this podcast, we look at how touch impacts on social work practice. We discuss the meaning of touch and consider the importance of being aware of the space we inhabit.

2a Observation

We continue our exploration of the use of self in social work. In this podcast, we consider observation. We discuss the purpose, ethics and practice of noticing what is around us, and how we impact on what we observe.

1a Listening and speaking

Throughout Series 7 we are exploring some of the central elements of social work practice and use of self. In this opening podcast, we explore listening and speaking. We consider the expertise that lies behind sensitive and thoughtful communication.

10b Review of the year

Our traditional end of series podcast is the review of the year. This review comes slightly later than usual so covers April 2021 to August 2022. We discuss some of the main events and themes, and consider the implications for social work.

9a Pregnancy and parenthood

In this podcast, we consider how social workers promote equality and challenge discrimination relating to pregnancy and parenthood. We look at why the Equality Act has a protected characteristic of pregnancy and maternity, and consider how social workers empower people during pregnancy and as new parents.

6a Equality – Sex

In this podcast, we consider how social workers can challenge discrimination on the grounds of sex. We consider the impact of sex on experiences and how this intersects with other aspects of identity. We explore the importance for everyone of calling out sexism and upholding rights.

10b Review of the year

The last podcast of our series is always the review of the year. We look back on twelve months dominated by the Covid 19 pandemic and consider the impact this has had on social workers and our practice. We look at what has been helpful and hopeful, and how we can build on this for the year ahead.

10a Professional leadership

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the Professional leadership domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We consider how social workers can act as leaders and role models wherever they are situated, and the importance of collaborative leadership. We also consider how social workers challenge and shape social work for the future.

7b Politics

This Helpful Social Work podcast explores the impact of politics on social work and how social workers act as political agents. We discuss how individual and collective actions can influence the political system that we work and live in.

7a Skills and interventions

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the Skills and Interventions domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We consider the ethics, evidence and theory that underpin social work approaches. And we look at how we offer interventions which uphold people’s dignity.

6a Critical reflection and analysis

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the Critical Reflection and Analyais domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We discuss how social workers apply reasoned discernment and maintain professional curiosity. We consider the importance of moving beyond individual reflection to critical analysis of the social context we work in.

5b Self-care

This Helpful Social Work podcast considers how we can best look after and sustain ourselves as we continue to face Covid-19. We look at individual actions we can take, and the importance of peer and organisational support.

5a Knowledge

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the knowledge domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We look at the purpose of knowledge and the range of knowledge that underpins social work. We consider the need to be critical of where knowledge comes from and how it is used.

4b Black Lives Matter

In this podcast, we are joined by guests Fareena Shaheed and Ann Shaheed to discuss the essential topic of Black Lives Matter. We have a difficult conversation about anti-racism in social work, why we are so slow to change and what we can do to be anti-racist.

4a Rights, justice and economic wellbeing

We continue our look at the ingredients of a social worker by exploring the rights, justice and economic wellbeing domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We consider the links between social and economic disadvantage, and loss of rights. And we discuss how social workers can enable people to exercise their rights.

3a Equality and diversity

We continue our look at the ingredients of a social worker by exploring the equality and diversity domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We look at principles and practice, and consider our own power. We explore how social workers can individually and collectively challenge inequality and oppression.

2b Loss and social work

Social workers constantly engage with and relate to loss. In the current pandemic, loss is widespread, diverse and deep. In this podcast we explore how social workers can understand loss and grief, how we can respond helpfully and the support we need to do this.

2a Ethics and values

We continue our look at the ingredients of a social worker by exploring the ethics and values domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We look at why this domain matters, the capabilities that social workers need, and what these capabilities look like in practice.

Series 5 Introduction

Series 5 runs from 2019-2020. Throughout this series we will look at the ingredients of a great social worker and the capabilities that social workers bring to their work. We will also record podcasts about current issues that affect social work.

10b Review of the year

The last podcast of our series is always the review of the year. However, we are in the middle of a global emergency – the Covid-19 pandemic. So we need to talk about it, as social workers. We think about principles, practice and anchors for this time. We also reflect a little about the year that has happened and talk about hopes for what lies ahead.

10a End of life

This is the final podcast of our journey through the life course. We look at end of life and bereavement. We talk about how social workers can emotionally and practically support people to prepare for end of life, to experience death, and to mourn and remember those who have gone. Our time, kindness and help can mean so much.

9b Technology

In this podcast we discuss another big issue – technology. We look at technological advances, and think about who technology is for and who has power over it. We consider how social workers can use technology ethically in their practice.

8b Populism

In this podcast we look at the big issue of populism – what it is and what makes it popular. Social work acts as a counter force to populism when it challenges power and upholds human rights. We discuss how social workers can overcome simplistic and fearful views of the world to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

8a Retirement

The next episode in our journey through the life-course is retirement. We consider the evidence around how people experience retirement and the social factors that affect this. We look at how social workers can promote good retirement for all and reduce structural barriers to equality.

7b Colonialism

In this podcast we discuss the big issue of colonialism – what it is, how it has impacted on people and its continued effects in social work. We consider how social workers can use anti-oppressive practice to understand their individual and structural relationships, and to work with people for liberation.

7a Middle age

The next episode in our journey through the life-course is middle age. We talk about important areas for social workers to consider including relationships, money and health. And we look at what underpins good practice in working with often complex situations and networks.

6b Homelessness

This podcast is about how we ensure that everyone has a home. We look at the causes and impacts of homelessness. We then explore how social workers can act personally, professionally and collectively to end homelessness.