Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast So What Social Work

What is adult social work really like?

Join Abigail & Josh as they lift the lid on the realities of adult social work. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the social care sector, and as qualified Social Workers and Practice Educators, they bring honest conversations, practical insights, and real world experiences from the frontline of practice.

Whether you're a social work student, preparing for your Practice Learning Opportunities, or a newly qualified social worker finding your feet, this podcast is designed to support you every step of the way.

Each week, Abigail and Josh explore key topics, theories, and challenges in adult social work. From navigating placements and assessments to understanding power, strengths-based approaches, and everything in between.

The first episode drops on Wednesday 1st July, so make sure to put a rock in your diary. Follow the podcast now to be the first to know when new weekly episodes are released.

Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.

Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork

In this episode, our hosts introduce the National Occupational Standards (NOS), with a particular focus on NOS 1: Maintain an Up-to-Date Knowledge and Evidence Base for Social Work Practice and NOS 2: Develop Social Work Practice Through Supervision and Reflection. The discussion is designed to support student social workers, Practice Educators, and those who are either undertaking or considering the Practice Educator qualification.

Throughout the episode, the hosts explore how the NOS can support learning, professional development, and reflective practice approaches within social work. The episode also includes responses to two questions submitted by student social workers relating specifically to the NOS and their application in practice learning and professional development.

To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.

Relational Social Work Practice

Relational social work practice is commonly understood as an approach that uses the professional relationship between the social worker and service user as the primary means of achieving change. Tosone (2004) describes it as a practice that recognises the interconnected nature of individuals’ internal experiences, interpersonal relationships, and wider community systems. Key features include the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the dynamic and often asymmetrical nature of interactions between practitioners and service users, and the influence of both personal and structural factors on engagement and outcomes. Ruch, Turney and Ward (2010) and Megele (2015) note that there is no single agreed definition, and debate continues as to whether relationship-based practice should be understood as a set of guiding principles or a broader theoretical approach.

Source: Ingram, R. (2013) Locating Emotional Intelligence at the Heart of Social Work Practice. Available at:

https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/148840484/13_Winter_relational_social_work_KW02APR2018.pdf

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

The National Occupational Standards (NOS) are UK-wide standards that outline the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to work in social care and early years and childcare settings at nationally recognised levels of practice. The NOS are organised into suites of standards and work areas, providing guidance and examples relevant to specific professional roles.

Source: Social Care Wales – National Occupational Standards (NOS)

https://socialcare.wales/qualifications-funding/national-occupational-standards-nos

Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.

Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork

This episode explores student social workers’ Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs), more commonly known as placements. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences of undertaking PLOs during social work training, discussing expectations, different placement settings, commonly used acronyms, and the differences they have encountered both as students and as Practice Educators. The episode also features questions submitted by three social work students, which are discussed and answered throughout the conversation.

To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.

Statutory Social Work

Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under the legal duties and powers of local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.

Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions

https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/

Practice Learning

Practice learning describes the experience students gain through practical placements, where they develop and apply the skills, knowledge, and values required of professional social workers.

Source: Social Care Wales, Practice Education Guidance (2019)

https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Practice-education-guidance-2019-English.pdf

Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.

Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork

Meet your hosts, Abigail and Josh, alongside producer and co-host Tom, as they introduce themselves and share the journeys that led them into social work and on to becoming practice educators.

In this opening episode, they reflect on their personal and professional experiences, the motivations behind their work, and the inspiration for creating this podcast. Join them as they set the scene for honest conversations, shared learning, and insights from the world of social work practice and education.

For clarity throughout this podcast, some professional terms used in discussion are explained below.

Local Authority – A local authority is an administrative organisation responsible for governing local areas within the UK, including the delivery of public services and local planning functions.

Source: OCSI – “Local Authority” (https://ocsi.uk/term/local-authority/)

Statutory Social Work – Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under legal duties and powers held by local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs.

Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.

Source: Scottish Government – The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions (https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/)

Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.

Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork

In this episode, our hosts explore the role of the Practice Educator, reflecting on their own experiences of supporting and assessing student social workers in practice. They discuss the responsibilities and expectations of the role, the rewards and challenges of practice education, and the impact that openness within learning environments can have on the development of future social workers.

To support listeners, some of the professional terms discussed during the episode are explained below.

Statutory Social Work

Statutory social work refers to social work undertaken within the legal duties and powers of local authorities. It includes safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, and often involves making complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Responsibility and accountability for these statutory interventions rest with registered social workers.

Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions. https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/

Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is a shared belief that people can speak up, ask questions, admit mistakes, raise concerns, or offer different perspectives without fear of embarrassment, punishment, or other negative consequences. It enables open communication, learning, and effective teamwork.

Source: McKinsey & Company, What is Psychological Safety? https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-psychological-safety

Code of Professional Practice

In Wales, the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care sets out the standards of conduct and practice expected of everyone registered with Social Care Wales. The Code describes how social care workers should uphold the rights, wellbeing, voice, and choice of people who use care and support services, while acting with honesty, integrity, professionalism, and accountability. It provides the framework for ethical practice and professional decision-making across the social care workforce.

Source: Social Care Wales, Code of Professional Practice for Social Care.

Social Justice

Social justice is the principle that everyone should have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. Within social work, it underpins efforts to reduce inequality, challenge discrimination, and improve access to opportunities and support, particularly for people who experience disadvantage or marginalisation.

Source: National Association of Social Workers, Social Justice Priorities. https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice/Social-Justice-Priorities

In this episode, the hosts explore the theory and principles of strengths-based practice using clear, accessible language and avoiding unnecessary jargon. They discuss the shift from a deficit-focused model of social work towards an empowering, strengths-focused approach that recognises people’s abilities, resources, relationships, and potential.

The hosts also respond to a question from Ariana, a newly qualified social worker, who asks how practitioners can balance a strengths-based approach with the realities of professional power, statutory responsibilities, organisational pressures, and limited resources.

Key Terms Discussed

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit that helps with the extra costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. Eligibility is based on how a person’s condition affects their daily living and mobility, rather than the condition itself. PIP is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility.

Source: Carers UK. Personal Independence Payment (PIP). https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/benefits-if-you-are-disabled-ill-or-injured/personal-independence-payment/

Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care is an approach that supports people to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Care is coordinated and tailored to the individual, ensuring people are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Source: British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Person-Centred Care Made Simple. https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/person-centred-care-made-simple

Substance Misuse

Substance misuse refers to the harmful or dependent use of alcohol or drugs. Harmful use occurs when alcohol or drug use causes physical, psychological, or social harm or places the individual or others at risk. Dependence is characterised by a strong urge to use substances despite the negative impact on a person’s health, relationships, finances, or daily life.

Source: NSPCC. Alcohol, Drugs and Parenting. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/talking-drugs-alcohol/alcohol-drugs-parenting/

Statutory Social Work

Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under legal duties and powers, primarily within local authorities. It includes safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, and involves making decisions that balance individual rights, risks, and legal responsibilities. Registered social workers are accountable for these statutory interventions.

Source: Scottish Government. The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions: Guidance for Local Authorities. https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/

Power influences every aspect of social work practice, from the relationships we build to the decisions we make. In this episode, our hosts explore what power means, the different forms it can take, and the positive and negative connotations often associated with it.

Together, they discuss how social workers can recognise and manage power dynamics, use their professional influence to overcome barriers, and empower people they support while maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships. The conversation also includes practical tips for using power thoughtfully and ethically in everyday practice.

The episode features responses to a question submitted by Matt, a newly qualified social worker, who shares a practice dilemma about navigating power in professional relationships.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What does power mean to you, and how has it shaped your practice? Get in touch and join the conversation.

Key terms discussed in this episode

Social justice

Social justice is the principle that everyone should have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. Within social work, it underpins efforts to reduce inequality, challenge discrimination, and improve access to opportunities and support, particularly for people who experience disadvantage or marginalisation.

Source: National Association of Social Workers. Social Justice Priorities. https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice/Social-Justice-Priorities

Psychological safety

Psychological safety is a shared belief that people can speak up, ask questions, admit mistakes, raise concerns, or offer different perspectives without fear of embarrassment, punishment, or other negative consequences. It enables open communication, learning, and effective teamwork.

Source: McKinsey & Company. What Is Psychological Safety? https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-psychological-safety

Empowerment

Empowerment is about creating the conditions that enable people to empower themselves—to feel stronger, more confident and hopeful, more capable of exerting control over their lives, and better equipped to exercise their rights (Innovative Resources, 2021). Within social work, practitioners support people to develop skills in self-determination, collaboration, and accessing relevant information.

Source: The Social Work Graduate. Empowerment. https://www.thesocialworkgraduate.com/post/empowerment

Person-centred care

Person-centred care supports people to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. It is coordinated, tailored to the individual, and ensures people are always treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Source: British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Person-Centred Care Made Simple. https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/person-centred-care-made-simple

Mental capacity

Mental capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand information, make decisions about their life, and communicate those decisions.

Source: Mind. Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Capacity. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/mental-capacity-act-2005/capacity/

In this episode of So What: Social Work, Abigail and Josh are lifting the lid on the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care, exploring the updated Code that came into effect across Wales on 1 July 2026 - coincidentally the very same day the podcast launched!

The hosts unpack what has changed from the previous Code, discuss why the updates matter, and explain how the Code applies to everyone working in social care in Wales - not just registered social workers or social work students. Through practical discussion and real-world examples, they consider what the revised wording means for day-to-day practice, professionalism, accountability and ethical decision-making.

The episode also explores how social care professionals can challenge practice respectfully and professionally while remaining guided by the values and expectations set out in the Code. Abigail and Josh share practical tips for speaking up, influencing positive change and navigating difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism.

Whether you’re a student, newly qualified practitioner, experienced professional or work alongside social care services, this episode offers practical insights into the standards that underpin safe, compassionate and professional practice across Wales.

We’d love to hear from you, get in touch with your views about the updated Code via email at: sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com or leave a comment or send a DM via our social media accounts. Keep those rocks in the diary and we’ll continue lifting the lid of all things adult social care related!

Key terms discussed in this episode

Social justice

Social justice is the principle that everyone should have equal rights, opportunities and access to resources. In social work, it underpins efforts to reduce inequality, challenge discrimination, uphold human rights and promote inclusion for people experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.

Source: National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Social Justice Priorities. https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice/Social-Justice-Priorities

Medical Model of Disability

The Medical Model views disability as arising primarily from an individual’s impairment or health condition, with the focus on diagnosis, treatment or adaptation of the individual.

Social Model of Disability

The Social Model recognises that people are disabled by physical, organisational and attitudinal barriers within society, rather than by their impairment alone. The focus is therefore on removing barriers and creating inclusive environments.

Source: Welsh Government / Hwb. What is Disability? https://hwb.gov.wales/api/storage/57f210f2-19c2-4c3e-a6e1-a34e27bb4bfb/1%20What%20is%20disability%20English.pdf

Professional registration body

A professional registration body is an organisation responsible for regulating a profession and maintaining a register of individuals who meet the required standards of education, conduct and competence to practise safely. In Wales, Social Care Wales is the professional regulator for registered social workers and other regulated members of the social care workforce. It maintains the Register, sets standards for professional practice and education, and helps to protect the public by promoting high standards across the social care profession.

Source: Social Care Wales. Registration and Code of Professional Practice for Social Care. https://socialcare.wales/registration