Episodes

July 9, 2021

4a Equality – Race and ethnicity

In this podcast, we consider oppression relating to race and ethnicity, the importance of anti-racism in social work, and how social workers can enhance their role in challenging racism.
May 27, 2021

3a Equality – Disability

In this podcast, we consider the social model of disability and how social workers can work alongside people with disabilities to challenge and overcome barriers to inclusion.
May 14, 2021

2a Equality – Age

In this podcast, we explore the evidence of inequality relating to age and how age is considered in social work practice. We consider how social workers can change the narrative around age and challenge ageism.
April 23, 2021

1a Social work and equality

Throughout Series 6 we are looking at equality and anti-oppressive practice. In this podcast we revisit the ethics and social work role around fighting discrimination, and the theories that support this.
April 13, 2021

Series 6 Introduction

Series 6 runs from 2020-21. Throughout this series we will look at equality and anti-oppressive practice. We will start off with revisiting the ethics and social work role around fighting oppression, and the theories that support this. Each month, we will look at evidence of inequality relating to a protected characteristic in the England Equality Act - for example age. We will consider how social workers can challenge discrimination and uphold rights. Throughout the year, we will also record po...
March 12, 2021

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.
March 4, 2021

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.
Feb. 12, 2021

9a Contexts and organisations

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the Contexts and organisations domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We look at how we understand our context and respond to our environment. And we explore how social workers act, collaborate and ally to change the social and political context.
Feb. 4, 2021

8a Professionalism

Our next podcast looking at the ingredients of a social worker explores the Professionalism domain of the Professional Capabilities Framework. We explore how social workers align personal and professional integrity, and how we maintain our motivation and commitment to social work.
Nov. 20, 2020

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.
Nov. 13, 2020

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.
Sept. 17, 2020

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.
Sept. 11, 2020

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.
July 16, 2020

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.
July 3, 2020

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.
July 2, 2020

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.
May 29, 2020

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.
May 13, 2020

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.
May 4, 2020

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.
April 9, 2020

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.
April 9, 2020

1b Social work ethics during Covid-19

This podcast responds to some of the current ethical concerns social workers face during the Covid-19 pandemic. We draw on BASW's Ethical Guidance to explore the principles underpinning our response, wherever we are and whatever our role. We also share examples of how social workers are maintaining good social work practice and sustaining themselves.
March 27, 2020

1a Ingredients of a social worker

In this first podcast of Series 5, we look at what makes a great social worker. We reflect on the ways of being and doing that enable social workers to offer good help. We invite you to consider the social workers who inspire you.
March 20, 2020

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.
Feb. 9, 2020

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.