Social Work Radio

In this week’s episode, Vince and Cara unpack the newly published Serious Case Review into the death of Sara Sharif, and what it really means for frontline social work. They break down the missed opportunities, the multi-agency drift, the blind spots around home education, and the “no one joined the dots” theme shaping public debate. A thoughtful, essential listen for anyone working in or alongside children’s services.

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n this week’s episode, Cara and Vince dive into the growing crisis of confidence surrounding Social Work England. With a major independent review now under way, they explore whether trust can truly be rebuilt after fee hikes, backlogs, and a near £1m underspend that has left the profession questioning its regulator’s direction. From cultural concerns to calls for meaningful reform, they ask what accountability should look like - an...

This week, Vince and Cara unpack new national figures showing rising numbers of children identified as “in need,” but fewer placed on child protection plans. Our hosts explore whether stretched services, higher thresholds, and workforce pressures are shaping how risk is managed on the frontline. Is early help keeping families safe, or masking hidden harm as demand continues to climb?

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In this powerful episode, our hosts Vince and Cara dive into new findings revealing that domestic abuse is identified in nearly nine out of ten family court cases - yet still too often treated as a side issue. They unpack how the system’s pro-contact culture can place victims at risk, the structural barriers that keep courts from prioritising safety, and the emotional toll this takes on social workers. With personal reflections, ex...

This week, our hosts Cara and Vince explore how to stay compassionate and engaged in a world that feels heavier than ever.

From doomscrolling and online outrage to activism fatigue and the myth of “doing it all,” they ask how social workers can keep caring without burning out. Cara reflects on her recent article, while Vince unpacks the pressure to be publicly political and the toll of constant bad news. Together, they share practi...

This week's podcast, inspired by THIS story, sees our hosts explore the concept of social vampires - the people or dynamics that constantly take without giving, leaving us depleted. Vince and Cara examine how this relates to social work, from bureaucracy, and toxic workplace cultures, to overly demanding colleagues, and even unhealthy client dynamics.

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This week our hosts break down the numbers behind THIS story at www.mysocialworknews.com, reflecting on the CIPD findings, exploring factors such as the pandemic after-effects, cost of living crisis, NHS pressures, and changing working patterns, and examining workplace culture, increased stress, burnout, and lack of boundaries with remote/hybrid work.

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This week our social work hosts, Vince and Cara, are talking about the news that Josh MacAlister has been appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education, taking on the role of children’s minister following Janet Daby’s departure in the government reshuffle.

Here are seven key changes they predict think will be coming...

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This week our hosts are exploring this news story, about a social worker convicted of fraud after it was discovered she was working three jobs at the same time. Vince and Cara discuss the wider context of the story, reflecting on the cost-of-living crisis, stagnant wages, and how side hustles and second jobs are becoming increasingly common in social work. Was this pure greed and dishonesty...or does context matter...?

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This week our social work hosts are taking a closer look at DASH - Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based violence checklist - after it was revealed that 55 women were killed after being assessed as low risk under the police tool. Vince and Cara outline the system, examine the concerns, and debate whether reliance on tick-box assessments undermines professional judgement.

Created by social workers, for social workers.

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This week, inspired by THIS column at mysocialworknews.com, our host Cara reflects on her personal experiences of incorporating "little treats" into challenging workdays and their impact on motivation and wellbeing. Together, she and Vince discuss how small acts of self-kindness can transform the work experience and enhance productivity and emotional resilience.

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This week, our social work hosts reflect on what's more important - money or happiness - as they explore the dispute over market-rate pay increases for social workers at Brighton & Hove City Council, and the strike action taken in response.

They reflect on the significance of equitable pay in maintaining morale and job satisfaction among social workers, and debate how clear career pathways and development opportunities compare ...

Inspired by THIS column, this week our hosts are exploring how parenting supervision and surveillance have dramatically changed in the past 40 years, discussing the freedom versus safety debate.

As they discuss examples from the past, and reflects on the social and cultural reasons behind these practices, and the shifts in social work's view of child welfare and protection, they consider what these practices suggest about changing ...