Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Residential Child Care Workers Points Of View Podcast , Global

I'm joined by Sharron McAllister Reilly to explore her journey in residential childcare and how her experiences have shaped her passion for therapeutic practice and accredited training.

We'll discuss the development of her three-tiered Therapeutic Parenting framework, the SCQF Level 7 Professional Certificate, and how these approaches can better support practitioners and improve outcomes for children and young people.

n this episode, I'm joined by Dan Crowley for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about the realities of creating children's homes where young people can truly thrive.

Dan shares some of the hidden insights into the sector, from how people find suitable properties and finance children's homes, to the challenges of setting them up and making them work.

But we also explore something much deeper: the importance of love, relationships and creating a genuine sense of belonging for children who need it most.

It's an honest, insightful conversation that brings together the practical realities of running children's homes with the human values that really matter.

I recently sat down with Clive Shirland for a conversation about something I think we need to keep talking about — the future of residential care and what we can do better for children and young people.
We talked about the things that really matter. Do we have the right approaches? Are we giving staff and services the resources they actually need? Could mentoring and coaching make a difference? And when we use the word “outstanding”, what should that really mean for the child or young person experiencing the care?
For me, one of the biggest questions is what happens beyond care. How do we help young people build a future that they can genuinely look forward to? Not just getting by, but having opportunities, relationships, confidence and people around them who believe in what they can achieve.
Clive brings his own experience and perspective to the conversation, and we don't pretend to have all the answers. That's part of the reason for having these conversations in the first place.
If you work in residential care, lead a service, support young people, or simply care about where the sector is heading, I hope you'll give it a listen.

I talk with Dominy Roe who is managing director of Transfom Uk .

This interview with Dominy Roe explores how lived experience of the care system can shape a more compassionate, relational and therapeutic approach to residential care.

At its heart is a powerful question: what did children in care need then, and how can we create that for children now? The conversation explores how Dominy’s own experiences have influenced her thinking about what a children’s home should feel like — not simply a place where children are looked after, but somewhere they can experience safety, love, belonging and meaningful relationships.

A central theme is trust. For children who have experienced rejection, instability or relationships that have caused harm, trusting adults can be incredibly difficult. The interview considers what love and belonging look like in practice when a child may initially reject the very relationships and care being offered to them.

The conversation also challenges traditional ways of understanding behaviour. Rather than focusing solely on what a child is doing, it asks adults to become curious about what may sit underneath that behaviour. Shame, rejection, attachment experiences and fear can all influence the ways children respond to the world, while behaviours that appear challenging may have developed as important ways of protecting themselves.

This thinking connects with Transform’s development of a therapeutic practice model, exploring how a deeper understanding of children’s experiences can influence everyday care, relationships and responses.

The interview also recognises that therapeutic care cannot be separated from leadership and organisational culture. It explores the responsibility leaders have for creating emotionally safe environments and considers how the adults caring for children can be supported to remain warm, reflective and relational when the work is emotionally demanding.

Ultimately, the conversation invites us to reconsider how we see children living in residential care: moving away from defining them by behaviours, difficulties or experiences and towards understanding the child underneath — what has happened to them, what they may be communicating, and what they need from the adults around them.

It is a conversation about creating children’s homes where relationships matter, behaviour is met with curiosity rather than judgement, and children are given the opportunity to experience something fundamental: the feeling that they belong.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kaz Jack, a Registered Manager with Pebbles Care, based in Penrith, a town close to the English–Scottish border.

In this conversation, we explore the importance of relational practice, why connection should always come before correction, and the psychology behind working in a trauma-informed way. Kaz shares valuable insights into how the language we use can either support or inadvertently trigger young people, and explains why thoughtful communication is such a powerful tool in residential child care.

What stood out most to me was getting a real sense of who Kaz is as a person and how her values, authenticity, and compassion shape her leadership and practice. It's a conversation full of practical wisdom and reflection that I think will resonate with anyone working with children and young people.

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this episode of The Residential Child Care Points of View Podcast Global. Here's my conversation with Kaz Jack.

In this episode I talk to Angela Griffiths who is an independent consultant and trainer about her career & her soon to be published book about leadership and management within residential childcare settings. The yet untitled book offers those with experience and those new to the role with an essential guide to leadership and management . I’m sure you will agree with me that this is a largely unexplored but important role within RCC settings and as such you will take lots from this interview .

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Cross to explore the often-overlooked topic of group work in residential childcare.
Together, we discuss why understanding group dynamics is essential for practitioners, how groups can influence behaviour, belonging, identity, and resilience, and why formal education and training programmes often give this area far less attention than it deserves.
Drawing on theory, practice, and real-world experience, we examine how residential childcare workers can become more confident and effective in supporting groups of young people, rather than focusing solely on individuals.
If you've ever wondered why some groups thrive, why others struggle, or how practitioners can harness the positive potential of group living, this conversation is for you.
This episode challenges us to rethink an important question:
Are we adequately preparing residential childcare practitioners to understand and work with groups?

An interview with Andy Thompson from CYP First a leading training provider based in England . Andy has extensive experience managing children's houses whereby his houses received outstanding ratings by OFSTED .

Since 2017 Andy has been training the children's services workforce via his company 'CYP First' which her co founded with his business partner . This episode looks at Andy's journey and motivation , the challenges and realities of the role , comparisons between Scotland and England , the importance of training plus much more . This is an essential listen for anyone connected to residential childcare .

In this episode I talk with Karen O'Donnell about her twenty six year career working within the sector . We cover lots of topics including hearing about the opening of her new service for children . This was an enlightening interview that is worth a listen .

In this episode I talk to author Jane Dalgleish about her new book entitled ' An Essential Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Residential Childcare: Lessons from the frontline on how you’ll laugh, love and cry … all before lunchtime.

I found this interview to be very interesting and recommend the book to everyone connected with the field .

Rebecca Harrison from Manchester based Children's RCC service called Parkwood Care talks about her career journey & the work currently being undertaken at Parkwood Care

Keywordssocial work, residential care, Care Inspectorate, community support, children's welfare, trauma-informed care, social services, Scotland, child protection, family supportsummaryIn this conversation, Ian Henderson , a seasoned social worker, shares his extensive experience in the field of social work, particularly focusing on children's welfare and residential care. He discusses the evolution of care practices, the challenges faced within the Care Inspectorate, and the importance of community-based support for children. Henderson emphasizes the need for transparency, a trauma-informed approach, and the necessity of keeping families together. He also critiques the current state of social work in Scotland, highlighting the importance of speaking truth to power and advocating for systemic change to better support children and families.takeaways• Social work has evolved, but challenges remain.• Community-based support is crucial for children's welfare.• Transparency in care practices is essential.• The focus should be on well-being, not just risk management.• Siblings should be kept together whenever possible.• Care Inspectorate needs to balance partnership and regulation.• Trauma-informed care is vital in residential settings.• Social workers must advocate for systemic change.• Young people's voices are essential in shaping care practices.• Effective social work requires collaboration and community involvement.

Disclaimer : The views of the interviewee are that of the interview & not the interviewer

In this conversation, Joe Gibb & Dr Yvalia Febrer discusses the innovative training course developed by Kingston University & the Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust for staff in children's homes, emphasizing the need for higher qualifications and the role of social pedagogy in improving residential childcare practices across the UK. He highlights the importance of contextualizing training and the necessity for collaboration among different care sectors to enhance the quality of care for vulnerable children.

Takeaways

• We're at a bit of a tipping point in residential childcare.
• The current training is inadequate for the complexities of the role.
• Social pedagogy can significantly improve practice in residential care.
• Training should be uniform across the UK but context-specific.
• Collaboration between different care sectors is essential for effective training.
• The new course is designed to be flexible for working professionals.
• Distance learning must be robust and engaging for participants.
• Technology can enhance training and practice in meaningful ways.
• There is a need for a coordinated network among care professionals.
• Social pedagogy embraces a variety of useful tools and practices.

• Revolutionizing Childcare Training
• The Future of Social Pedagogy in the UK

• "We're at a bit of a tipping point."
• "We need to raise the bar across all the nations."
• "It's not just about one individual course."

In this conversation, Colin discusses his extensive experience in residential childcare, emphasizing the importance of psychology in understanding and supporting children. He introduces the Pillars of Parenting model, which focuses on individual needs and relationships, and critiques current challenges in residential care. Colin also reflects on the future of care, government initiatives, and the necessity of trauma-informed approaches, advocating for a more individualised focus in childcare practices.

TakeawaysPsychology is essential in understanding children's needs.Individual focus is crucial in residential care settings.Building strong relationships with children leads to better outcomes.The Pillars of Parenting model emphasises care, attachment, and self-perception.Trauma-informed care must address individual experiences and needs.Positive attachments are vital for children's emotional development.Staff training should focus on recognising and addressing individual needs.Understanding a child's strengths can significantly impact their development.Creating a supportive environment is key to effective childcare.

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Inthis episode I talk to a residential manager about his own experience ofworking across residential childcare both within Scotland and Ireland . Wecover topics such as using lived experience safely , qualifications , theimpact of historic abuse cases , the importance of using correct language, tacklingstigma  plus much more , so withoutfurther a do please welcome Jamie Long to the podcast

1. In this episode I talk to Adele Sutherland who is employed by Pebbles Care as a trainee psychologist . During our discussion we hear about Adeles journey from sessional residential childcare worker to trainee psychologist . We hear about Adeles view in respect of education levels of the workforce , her thoughts about the promise , challenges around planned and unplanned admissions, plus much more . It was great to hear about Adele's journey so far and think you will find this episode interesting so without further a do please welcome Adele Sutherland to the Podcast.

In this episode I talk to commissioning expert Marie Tucker . We cover lots of ground including a discussion about commissioning , the purpose of RCC & we also cover some of the challenges plus much more .

Consultant & trainer Steph Hunter talks to Joe Gibb about a range of topics connected to residential Childcare

In this interview I talk to Arlene Kyle who is director of Roots & Wings Social Care. We cover lots of ground starting off by hearing about Arlene's own journey into social care . We then consider the importance of a supportive environment & how support and supervision is important .

We also consider topics such as what the main challenges are for the sector and whether a place exists for profit making enterprises within residential childcare.

In this episode I talk to Shumela Ahmed who is managing director of the social enterprise 'Resilience Learning Partnership'.

We cover lots of ground & amongst other things we look at the importance of using lived experience ethically . We also talk about areas such as the continued roll out of the promise & the use of the residential child care sector in Scotland .

Please have a listen and share if you can.

Thank you to Shumela , I really enjoyed speaking with you.

In this episode I talk to Thomas Seisay who has started up a hairdressing training academy for care experienced people. We hear about what motivated Thomas to start the academy alongside hearing about some of the barriers that he has experienced along the way .

We also hear about Thomas's thoughts about barriers faced by care experienced people & what needs to be done to make society a more equitable one .

In this episode I speak with Professor Mark Smith , head of social work at Dundee University about his point of view about residential childcare in Scotland .

Themes discussed include:

The changing landscape of residential care

Positive developments in residential care

Challenges & misconceptions

The role of education & social pedagogy

plus much more ...

In this episode I speak with Declan Andrews . Declan works for an organisation called 'Our Promise'. Declan speaks about his point of view about pertinent issues such as recruitment, boundaries , physical restraint , culture & 'The Promise' plus much more .

In part two we explore Evelyn's point of view about areas of practice in relation to worker education , the Promise , physical restraint as well as exploring what we could learn from other countries in relation to good practice .

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In this episode I talk to Lorraine Moore who is hub manager at the Hub For Success an Edinburgh based partnership organisation that provides advice, guidance & support to care experienced individuals at every step of their journey into & through further & higher education . Amongst other things we hear a little bit about Lorraine's journey through care , what motivates her to offer support to the care experienced community & what the hub for success has uncovered during its engagement with those with lived experience. This podcast episode is especially of interest to people with an interest in care experience & education. So without further a do please welcome Lorraine Moore.

In this episode I talk to Abbi Jackson who is an independent social worker, practice educator and author. During the podcast interview we hear about Abbi’s work supporting young people at Rossi Young Peoples trust . In particular we focus on a reiki pilot project that Abbi facilitated with the young people & staff within the Secure Unit of Rossi Young Peoples Trust . We also discuss Abbi’s career & points of view about the education of staff, The Promise & Abbi’s published work . So without further ado please welcome Abbi Jackson.

In this episode I speak with ex RCC Manager & now PHD student Ben O'Farrell about his point of view about the RCC sector in Scotland. We cover lots of ground in this interview which includes discussions around the status of the sector , workforce development, the promise & possibilities for the future. So withot further a do please welcome Ben O' Farrell .

In this episode I interview  Ruth Forster & Kirsten Callaghan who are employed as Promise Development workers with the social care organisation Crossreach. This interview will be of interest to people who work across the social care sector,  who have an interest in residential child care & the role of  promise development workers  . During the interview you will hear about some of the positives & some of the challenges in relation to the journey associated with promise implementation alongside hearing about some recent plans associated with the promise that will help young people who are making transitions from residential to interdependence. You will also hear about both Ruth and Kirsten’s reflections about being employees of Crossreach. I enjoyed interviewing both Ruth and Kirsten & I’m sure that you will too , So without further a do please welcome Ruth & Kirsten to the podcast

A powerful interview covering topics related to secure care , the prison system , trauma and relationships

In this episode I talk to a managing director of two specialist therapeutic residential child care communities. Amongst other things we hear about the directors journey from  social worker to managing director whereby insights are provided in relation to the prospects and challenges for the sector such as the benefits associated with group living , matching placements to need, risk management, physical restraint,  the care review, recruitment, training the workforce & the broader operational challenges are considered. I enjoyed this interview and I hope that you do too, so without further a do , please welcome Amberleigh  Care’s Managing Director , Kevin Gallagher.

In todays episode I interview A probation officer  & now Keele University Lecturer about her  PHD  study that looked into the subject of  children’s  pathways into offending . My interviewees research considered children’s views in relation to those particular pathways .  Alongside hearing about the interviewees research we also hear the interviewees point of view about the current state of the residential childcare system in the UK  and what needs to be done to make improvements. Amongst other things we consider subjects such as physical restraint, the English care review and the context around placing children in care .  I found this interview, thought provoking and interesting. So without further ado please welcome Dr Anne -Marie Day .

Alison & Joe. A discussion about secure care & Alison's journey from student social worker to director .

In this episode I talk to David Rodger who is a residential worker based in the west coast of Scotland. David provides his point of view about a range of themes such as training , physical restraint , qualifications , the national child care review & physical restraint. We also hear about David's current MSC research project exploring the use of supervision in residential child care . So without further a do , please welcome David Rodger.  

In this episode I talk to two academics about their points of about residential child care in the here and now and future possibilities. Within the podcast both academics discuss some of their research & important themes such as friendship & supporting carers within the life space. I really enjoyed this interview & I hope you do too. So without further a do, please welcome Autumn Roesh Marsh & Ruth Emond. 

In this episode I talk to academic Dr Brodie Paterson. We explore the challenges associated with compassion fatigue and trauma informed care .

In this episode I talk to an ex residential worker who has now been working as a children and families social worker for over ten years. In this episode we discuss : why the worker chose to work as a social worker rather than a residential worker, we also look at a child's journey into residential care through the lens of a social worker & amongst other thing we also give consideration to how we can make residential more attractive to graduates. So without further a do please welcome Steven Hollinsworth. 

In this episode I talk to academic Dr Laura Steckley . During the  discussion we hear about Laura's point of view about restraint reduction within the residential setting, the importance of containment, the promise, the importance of the use of activities and   we explore Laura's view point about workforce education and qualifications. So without further a do please welcome Laura Steckley.

In this episode I talk to an academic about her early career as a youth justice social worker & hear about her transition into teaching social work at the University Of Central Lancashire, I also hear about my guests experience of developing and teaching social pedagogy . Amongst other things we  explore what the perspective may offer to those working within the helping professions , so without further a do please welcome Senior lecturer  Lowis Charfe

In this episode I talk to Paul Sullivan and Sace Lockhart who run the musicares project which is a project that has been set up to offer all types of music tuition to children and young people with lived experience of care . In this interview I hear about the journey so far and what Paul and Sace hope to achieve with the project as it evolves. Amongst other things we discuss the current evidence base that exists with regard to the benefits creative arts has to those with lived experience, we also consider some of the barriers associated with running projects such as musicares and we also consider the types of tuition on offer.  I enjoyed speaking to Paul and Sace and know that you will too, so without further a do please welcome Paul Sullivan and Sace lockhart.  Contact the team on the links and email below. The Sound Lab - The Sound Lab    thesoundlabglasgow@gmail.com music plus

Interview with David Grimm. In this episode we explore David's journey from being in care to becoming a student social worker. I found this interview to be inspiring and thought provoking .

In this interview I speak with Jade Elliot and Justine Irvine who are directors of Today Tomorrow , a new RCC provider based in North Ayrshire . This was an interesting conversation about setting up a children's service during a challenging period in history. I look forward to catching up with Jade and Justine in around a years time to see how things are and what learning has taken place.  

In this episode I talk to a senior manager with over thirty years’ experience working within the field of RCC. Amongst other things we discuss the fusion between the public, private and charitable sectors, some of the opportunities associated up with joined up working alongside  opportunity that the national care review and the promise presents,  we also discuss physical restraint , cross border placements, leadership  and the need to be brave at this pivotal period within the sector .I really enjoyed interviewing this professional and I hope you enjoy listening too.  So without further a do please welcome John Ryan.

In this podcast episode I speak  with Charlotte Wilson , team manager of the Care Inspectorate. Charlotte answers a range of questions about RCC with a particular focus on how the Care Inspectorate views current areas of prominence affecting the sector. Areas discussed include, the care review & the promise, cross border placements, physical restraint and the challenges the care inspectorate have encountered during the COVID pandemic. I found this interview interesting and it was good to hear from one of the care inspectorate managers. I really enjoyed interviewing Charlotte and hope you will enjoy listening, so without further a do, please welcome Charlotte Wilson.   

Interview with Jim Shields . In this episode I talk with Jim Shields who is service manager at St Mary's Kenmure Secure Unit. Amongst other topics , we discuss the national care review, the promise , physical restraint , cross border placements and much more .

Jenna Bollinger discusses Australian RCC and it synergies with the Scottish context . We also look at training , qualifications and some of the difficult questions around physical restraint. 

In this episode i speak with a professional whom has used her own lived experience in a way that has shone a light on some of the challenges associated with the care system. In this episode we look at the care review, the promise, the complexities associated with physical restraint and what the future may hold for the sector. So without further a do, please welcome Beth-Anne Logan .

In this episode I talk with a senior residential child care worker who has amassed twenty years experience in the field. The focus of discussion is around the desire that RCC is viewed as a career of choice rather than something that people fall into by default. In addition we discuss qualifications, values, the national care review and the challenges associated with  continuing care. I really enjoyed recording this podcast and without further a do please welcome Billy Todd.   

In the fourth episode of this podcast series looking at secure care , I speak with Ross Gibson, who is a practice development advisor with the Children And Young People's Centre For Justice. In this episode Ross talks about his experience of supporting the secure sector in Scotland , alongside providing his own views on physical restraint and his hopes for the sector over the next ten years . I really enjoyed recording this podcast and hope you enjoy listening. So without further a do, please welcome Ross Gibson