Great social work podcasts for listening on-the-go
By Gemma Raw
When juggling work and family life, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and read through the latest social care news and opinions. That's why we've compiled a list of social work podcasts which are great for listening on a busy commute.
Click on each title below to listen:
Let's Talk Social Work
Top of the list has to be this informative and authoritative podcast from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Focusing on key issues affecting social workers at both local and global levels, it's a lively forum for discussion with those working in frontline social care roles, the people they support and colleagues from related professions. Recent topics have included antisemitism, issues related to the independent review of children's social care in England and the complex relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence.
Learn on the Go
Community Care helps social workers stay up-to-date with the most significant developments in social care practice, law and policy. In their regular podcasts, Community Care editors welcome expert guests to discuss the latest research, theories and practice issues, examining what they mean for social workers.
Research in Practice
An initiative of education charity the Dartington Trust, Research in Practice works closely with professionals across the children, families and adults sectors, bringing together academic research, practice expertise and the experiences of people accessing services. Providing flexible and accessible learning, the organisation's podcasts are aimed at anyone who has an interest in key issues, including social workers.
Helpful Social Work
Presented by two social workers experienced in adult and children's services, this monthly podcast aims to help those working in social care jobs to learn, think and act with integrity, ensuring that service users get help that will transform their lives. In the latest series, Gerry and Jo have been focusing on equality and anti-oppressive practice. Looking at examples of inequality relating to key aspects of the England Equality Act, they've been considering how social workers can challenge discrimination and uphold people's rights.
What Works for Children's Social Care
Commissioned by the Department for Education to work alongside Cardiff University's CASCADE team, What Works for Children's Social Care aims to bring the best available evidence to social care practitioners and other decision makers. The organisation's podcasts explore the latest on evidence-based practice, discussing different interventions, their effectiveness, and what this means for social workers and the children they work with.
The Open University
Covering topics ranging from applied social work practice to childhood in the digital age, the OU's health and social care podcasts are designed to accompany their academic courses. However, they're generally accessible, and feature a wealth of information, video content and interviews which will be of interest to anyone working in a social care role.
