With our Head of Marketing and creator of Upfront About Social Work Laura Baxter leaving us, her and Chris sit down to reflect on the show and introduce new host Lawrence Silvester. 

Find out what plans Chris and Lawrence have for where to take it in the new year, and what Laura's favourite episodes have been. 

Thank you to Laura for bringing this idea to the table, and getting the podcast up and off the ground in the first instance.

Here's to some fab new stories for 2021

If you'd like to appear as a guest, please email [email protected] 

We meet the man behind MASH, and the woman who challenged him to make it better and take it further. They have since taken the model all around the globe, run a knowledge based workshop programme and have been able to reach out to thousands through #VOC - Voice of a Child. Nigel and Marisa are a brilliant double act, with a story you won't want to miss.

Find out more about their work by visiting - http://nibsharedvision.uk/

Last but not least in our Havering Mini series is Kate Dempsey. Kate is rather uniquely the Principal Social Worker for both Adults and Children's - something we'd never come across before. She is the most calm and level headed person and it's easy to see why she's the woman in this role. 

Here concludes the Mini Series at Havering Council. It was so great to be able to share a whole picture of one authorities children's services and we hoped you enjoyed listening. 
If you're interested in working at Havering, check out their social work specific website here - https://www.socialworkhavering.com/

Thanks again to Dave, Robert, Jane and Kate for giving up your time and taking part in the show. 

As promised, here is part 2 of Robert South (Director) and Jane Carroll (Assistant Director) episode of the Havering Mini Series. They talk about the big transformation Havering has undergone the past couple of years and how one of the most noticeable positives has been the shift in use of agency staff, having gone from them making up around 50% of the workforce, to now over 80% of staff being permanent. 

The very dynamic duo that are Robert South (Director) and Jane Carroll (Assistant Director) join us for the second installment of our Havering Mini Series. They talk about the big transformation Havering has undergone the past couple of years and how one of the most noticeable positives has been the shift in use of agency staff, having gone from them making up around 50% of the workforce, to now over 80% of staff being permanent. 
With so much great info shared in this interview, we decided to split this episode into a 2 parter to ensure you don't miss anything. So enjoy part 1 and tune back in next week for part 2. 

I'm confident that even through the airwaves, you will feel Dave's energy, warmth and passion for the industry. It's easy to see why all at Havering have brought into Dave, he's fully invested in both the community and the internal staff. Dave's lounge is open for all who wish to enter and we are very much looking forward to being invited back for a cuppa there soon! 

Nick Pendry, the Director of Children & Safeguarding at Croydon Council speaks to us about journey, and how after just a few years in the job, he left as he didn't feel he was well equipped enough to be a social worker. He sought out those extra skills he needed to be the best he could, and returned to the industry he is still today so passionate about. 

Matt Clayton and Jess Thompson from the Through Care Team at Coventry City Council talk us through the huge success their Channel 4 documentary "Super Kids" was, and how it saw them rubbing shoulders with the stars on the BAFTA red carpet. We discuss the Lifelong Links pilot they are running with great success, and how the whole city has really come together as a community. An incredibly inspiration episode.

Lisa Lamb, social worker turned commissioner talks to us about her extraordinary journey. From human rights law in NYC to Children with learning disabilities social worker in London, to being ready to take the next step as an innovative leader. A breath of fresh air and a great way to kick off season 2. Enjoy!