Social Work Radio

Domestic abuse is the everyday business of the family court

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, examples of good practice, and a call for reform, this is a must-listen for anyone working in or alongside the family justice system.

Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation, every Friday morning.

Caring about the world without losing your mind

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 practical ways to protect your peace, find perspective, and hold onto hope - even when everything feels overwhelming.

Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.

 

The reality of 'No Further Action'

In this week's episode, our social work hosts discuss the reality of NFA in practice - the point at which CPS or the police decide not to proceed due to 'insufficient evidence.'

 

Join the conversation every Friday morning.

Created by social workers, for social workers.

Social Vampires and Social Workers

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.

Join the conversation every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

Why are we all so sick?

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.

Join the conversation, every Friday morning. Created by social workers, for social workers.

Charlie Kirk

This week our hosts are talking about Charlie Kirk - reflecting on his views and on the profession’s responsibility to call out harmful rhetoric without endorsing harm, and talking about the circumstances of his death and the public shock.

Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.

Josh MacAlister: 7 priorities to follow in his new Children and Families role

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...

Created by social workers, for social workers. Join the conversation every Friday morning.

Why is someone working three jobs at the same time?

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...?

Join the conversation, every Friday morning.

Created by social workers, for social workers.

Is DASH reliable?

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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Social work side hustles

This week, inspired by THIS feature, our social work hosts are reflecting on the financial realities for social workers today, and discussing the benefits of side hustles - and how they can provide breathing space financially - without breaching professional boundaries. Want to know more...?

Created by social workers, for social workers, join the conversation every Friday morning