How Does the Social Work?

Goodbye (Endings)

Social workers specialise in establishing relationships with

Today, our focus is on closures and farewells during placements, as well as the potential experiences that student social workers may have as they need to say goodbye to service users, and the placement team.

Neurodivergent on Social Work Placement

Neurodiversity is a framework that seeks to understand the functioning of the human brain by acknowledging the inherent diversity in human cognition as a biological reality. It is a term that encompasses various neurological differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism spectrum condition. In this episode, we will explore the concept of neurodiversity and discuss the potential challenges and unique perspectives that a neurodivergent student social worker may encounter during their placement.

Guests:

Jenni Guthrie – Autistic/ADHD social worker, writer.

Power & Fear

The Code of Ethics of the British Association of Social Workers underscores the significance of adopting an anti-oppressive approach, which is deeply rooted in social justice and empowerment frameworks (British Association

Guests:

Ruvarashe Mandiveyi (MSc SW student @ Brunel University),

Student Social Worker – A Male Perspective & Experiences on Placement

It is undeniable that men hold significant sway over the children they are responsible for, making a substantial impact on their development and well-being. Today, we are here to delve into the topic of men's involvement in the field of social work, specifically focusing on the

D. Aleski Brandy-Williams is an experienced social work practitioner, guest lecturer, Youth Advocate and author of two books titled ‘My journey to becoming a Black Male Social Worker’ and ‘Preparing for First Social Work

There is more about Aleski Brandy-Williams https://brandy-williams.co.uk/home

In this episode, we focus on all things relating to the

Our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale are joined by Sophia Onuh and Michelle Boreland.

Sophia Onuh is an experienced SW & Lecturer in Social

Michelle Boreland is an experienced SW, MASH DTM &

In this episode, Colleen and Tienga are joined by Jenni Guthrie, the person behind the Autistic Social Worker website, to discuss how we apply theories, models, approaches and laws taught in class on placement. What does competence in this domain look like? Can we identify role models to emulate? Join us to discuss these issues and more. 

Jenni Guthrie -

In this episode, we explore the topic of communications on

Join our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale, and their guests, Nana Yabbey-Hagan (Practice Educator & C&F SW Manager), and Rohima Begum (Apprentice programme Student SW), who will grapple with these questions.

In this episode, we look at race and explore the experience of race and racism in social work placement.

Thinking about Cultural Competence and the experience of working with those you share the same culture with: could familiarity help in relationship building or could it be an obstacle?

Our guests are:

Shantel Thomas is an experienced SW practitioner, Clinical Professional & Course Lead @ Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation, and founder of the Anti-Racist Movement (A.R.M.)

Thedini Liyanage is a 2nd year MSc social work student from Brunel University.

Chito Okeke is a 1st year MSc social work student at Brunel University.

An interesting read from an article in the Community Care Newsletter suggests that ‘one in 10 social workers encountered racism from workmates at least five times, while almost 20% reported having increased anxiety as a result of their experiences, finds a poll of almost 2,000 practitioners.’ https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2022/03/18/one-third-of-social-workers-faced-racism-from-colleagues-or-managers-in-past-year-finds-survey/

In this episode, we focus on the student social worker and what they may need to make the most of their social work placement. Thinking about factors such as first impressions, values, behaviours, professional boundaries, commitment, dress code, managing expectations in terms of equipment and learning, preparedness, understanding of PCFs, Social Work England Standards and much more.

Our hosts Tienga Ngale and Colleen Simon will be joined by two wonderful social workers:

Maria Fashakin who is a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner/Mental Health Social Worker/AMHP/DV Ambassador and Harpal Sokhi who is a Newly Qualified Social Worker. 

In this episode, we focus on the student social worker and what they may need to make the most of their social work placement. Thinking about factors such as first impressions, values, behaviours, professional boundaries, commitment, dress code, managing expectations in terms of equipment and learning, preparedness, understanding of PCFs, Social Work England Standards and much more.

Our hosts Tienga Ngale and Colleen Simon will be joined by two wonderful social workers:

Maria Fashakin who is a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner/Mental Health Social Worker/AMHP/DV Ambassador and

Harpal Sokhi is a Newly Qualified Social Worker.