Tim Fisher and Rich Devine kick off with reflections on culture and connection, inspired by recent experiences, including Rich’s first trip to the theatre to watch Les Misérables. They discuss the profound impact of stories and how creative expressions like theatre offer fresh perspectives on justice, empathy, and the challenges of human connection…

In this week’s episode of the Relational Activism and Social Work Podcast, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine dive into strategies for social workers when feeling “stuck” in cases, especially in longstanding family dynamics where change can be elusive. Rich introduces a framework for recognizing situational and psychological denial in families, exploring t…

In this episode of Relational Activism in Social Work, hosts Tim Fisher and Rich Devine are joined by Terri-Anne Hamer, a care-experienced activist, who shares her powerful journey of overcoming intergenerational challenges and finding her voice within the care community. Terri-Anne reflects on her unique path, discussing her experiences as a third…

In this episode, Rich kicks things off by admitting his secret fuel: a double-double coffee (that's double strength, double shot!)—the only thing that kept him going through late nights in child protection. He then dives into his approach to direct work with children, sharing insights that go beyond caffeine-fuelled energy. We’re also treated to a …

In this episode, Rich and Tim explore the practicalities of analysis. Rich draws on his wealth of experiences and deep dives into analysis. Tim showcases his podcasting skills with an expertly timed musical interlude, which allows Tim and Rich to transition smoothly to talk about the Relational Activism Manifesto. Finally, we say goodbye before con…

In this episode we speak with Team Manager of a Family Placement Team, Toni Mayo. She talked about: - Different types of kindship care arrangements - How LA's can improve their support for Kinship Carers - How Social workers can support Kinship Carers Tim shares his experience of attending the Kempe Conference, and learning about the Family Finding…

In this episode, we speak to the brilliant and wonderful, Kar-Man. She generously and articulately shares her story and experience of social workers engaging with her. We talk about Kinship Care Week (07th -014th October), referencing the following: https://kinship.org.uk/get-involved/kinship-care-week/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ch…

This week Tim Fisher and Rich Devine explore the role of story in social work and how we define parental engagement.Von Richard

The link for Rhian Taylor's book is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fosterboy-Rhian-Taylor/dp/183816202X https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Fosterboy-by-Rhian-Taylor/9781838162023 The Gaps website article discussed is here - https://gaps.org.uk/how-to-make-a-social-worker-reflections-on-social-work-education/ E-mail for Rhian: Rhian.c.taylor@…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Relational Activism Webinar Series: https://www.relationalactivism.com/upcoming Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent for…

This week I interview Rob Tucker, Director and Independent Social Work Consultant at RGT Training and Consultancy Ltd. He is one of the most impressive and inspiring social workers I have met. I wish every social worker had the chance to learn from Rob about communication skills with children. In my view, he is unparalleled in his knowledge, skill …

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Relational Activism Webinar Series: https://www.relationalactivism.com/upcoming Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent for…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Relational Activism Webinar Series: https://www.relationalactivism.com/upcoming Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent for…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Relational Activism Webinar Series: https://www.relationalactivism.com/upcoming Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent for…

Vicki Shevlins website, podcast, and new, brilliant assessment guide BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Relational Activism Webinar Series: https://www.relationalactivism.com/upcoming Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this podcast: https://richarddevinesocialwor…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this podcast: https://richarddevinesocialwor…

BASW Child Protection Master Class Series: https://www.basw.co.uk/basw-child-protection-masterclass-series Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this podcast: https://richarddevinesocialwor…

In this episode I some learning from recent training on attachment delivered by Rebecca Carr-Hopkins. Check her out here: https://iswmatters.co.uk Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this…

In this episode I explore ideas and principles that I learned over the years to manage time more effectively. Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this podcast: https://richarddevinesocial…

In this episode I explore ideas and principles that I learned over the years to manage time more effectively. Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on topics covered on this podcast: https://richarddevinesocial…

Von Richard Devine

In this episode I interview Professor Colin Pritchard, a distinguished academic and in my experience, a lovely, generous, wise individual. Professor Colin Pritchard is an Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Southampton and Visiting Professor at Dept Psychiatry and Research Professor in Psychiatric Social Work, Bournemouth Universi…

Building on the conversation from last week's episode with Danny and Mike from Lads Like Us, I explore professional curiosity and #askwhy that they passionately and eloquently advocated for. I explore the same topic from a practical and practice point of view. I share tips and principles that facilitate compassion and professional curiosity with ad…

In this episode, I am joined by Danny and Mike from Lads Like Us. We talk about: - trauma, ACEs, criminal behaviour, gangs - unmet need, unresolved trauma and the path of self destruction - The importance of making sense of who you are - professional curiosity - weaponising empathy - The power of 1 - recovery, healing and discovering your potential…

In this episode I am joined by social worker and colleague Andy Black, and we reflect on a great question by Rebecca Key, 'how do you walk the fine balance between curiosity, care and compassion for the experiences of a parent without this clouding your judgment or waiting too long to intervene and take action to secure the child permanence and saf…

In this episode I am joined by social worker and colleague Andy Black, and we reflect on some key learning from John Burnham who attended a recent conference in BANES. Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightly blogs on t…

In this episode I explore the term 'she prioritise her own needs above her childs'. The essay can be found here: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/2020/06/19/she-prioritises-her-own-needs-above-her-childs/ Any questions please contact me on richdevinesocialwork@gmail.com Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, wher…

In this episode I explore whether, in child protection, to build therapeutic relationships. I argue that social work is inherently conflictual, which makes this difficult and explore how we can build meaningful and impactful relationships. The essay can be found here: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/2022/10/31/relationship-based-practice-in-chi…

An introduction to the podcast, who I am and my journey into social work. A massive thank you to Vicki, from Social Work sorted who is an inspiration and gave very helpful advice, DO NOT MISS her podcast: https://www.socialworksorted.com/aboutme Connect with me on: https://twitter.com/RichardDevineSW Follow my blog, where you can be sent fortnightl…