In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Marcus Riley.

In the fifth episode, Kari Gerstheimer interviews Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara in Queensland, Australia, to explore the intricacies of Australia's social care and aged care systems. They discuss recent legislative reforms, funding mechanisms, workforce challenges, and lessons that the UK can learn from Australia's approach to aging and social support. 

Find Marcus' book here: https://www.marcusriley.co/books

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Donald Macaskill.

In this conversation, Kari Gerstheimer speaks with Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care, about the state of social care in Scotland. They discuss Donald's journey into social care, the challenges and successes of the National Care Service, the importance of human rights in care delivery, and the pressing issues surrounding workforce and funding. Donald emphasises the need for a person-led approach to care, the significance of planning for end-of-life care, and the necessity of cross-party political agreement to drive meaningful reform in social care. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of social care, highlighting the potential of technology and innovation to enhance care delivery.

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Mansur Dalal.

Episode 3 features a thoughtful conversation with Mansur Dalal, who traces his path from architecture into elder care, inspired by his experiences caring for his grandfather and mother. Mansur reflects on the social and cultural realities of ageing in India, where a rapidly growing older population is outpacing existing care infrastructure. He discusses the need for clear standards and regulation in elder care, grounded in a person centered approach that honours cultural differences. The episode also explores how technology can enhance quality of life, including Mansur’s work on a reminiscence therapy app for people living with Alzheimer’s, alongside a wider discussion on ethical caregiver migration and the importance of regulation that protects care quality while still allowing innovation to thrive.

In the second episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Vic Rayner.

Episode 2 features a wide ranging conversation with Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum, as she reflects on her journey in social care and the experiences that have shaped her leadership. Vic discusses the growing importance of digital transformation and how technology and data can strengthen care services and better demonstrate the value of social care alongside healthcare. Drawing on international models, she explores what the UK can learn from innovative approaches abroad, while also highlighting the role of intergenerational learning and the practical challenges of embedding new models of care within the current system.

In the first episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Phil Hope.

Episode 1 opens with an in depth conversation with Phil Hope, former Minister of State for Care Services, drawing on his long career shaping social care and health policy. Phil reflects on the origins of the National Care Service, the creation of the first national dementia strategy, and why closer integration between health and social care is essential. He explores what a truly national care service could look like, from clear standards to a sustainable workforce strategy, while candidly addressing the political and funding challenges that continue to shape social care reform today.