Messy Social Work
Welcome to the Messy Social Work podcast. The hosts are Richard Devine and Tim Fisher.
Check out our website here: https://www.relationalactivism.com/
Episodes
58 episodes
Rich and Tim interview Prof Jill Derrick on the impossible imperative; navigating competing principles in child protection
We’re joined by the brilliant Professor Jill Derrick from the University of California, Berkeley, for a compelling and thought-provoking conversation on the complexities of child protection practice.From the competing tensions<...
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1:05:19
Rich and Tim speak to Senior Social Worker, Duane Phillips about being mixed heritage, male social worker, working with fathers and much more
In this episode with speak with Duane Phillips, Senior Social Worker at Coventry City Council. We talk about: Duane's experience growing up mixed heritage working with children, families and community
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46:35
Rich and Tim speak to Terri-Anne (Project Worker and Care Experienced) about requesting and reading her files
This week, we have our first-ever return guest, Terri Anne, who shares the important work of the Care Leavers Association and delves into her exploration of the emotional rollercoaster of retrieving and reading her care files. Tim i...
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1:24:01
What 10 years in child protection taught me about people, pain and purpose
In this episode, Rich and Tim and live and in person in Rich's living - they unpack 10 lessons from Rich's experience in child protection, with Tim surprising Rich with a Paxman style interview, quizzing and questioning his central ideas. Do th...
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57:08
Professor Clive Diaz on psychoanalytical ideas in contemporary social work
In this episode, we speak to Professor Clive Diaz, a music producer who has also worked as a social worker, principal social worker, researcher, professor, and psychoanalytical psychotherapist. We discuss the relevance of psychoanal...
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1:05:25
George Fielding BEM on living with cerebral palsy and how we can put the social back into social care
This week, we speak with George Fielding, BEM, a disability rights activist and social care leader. He was the first child in his area to go to a mainstream school in a wheelchair. Since then, he’s worked with charities like Whizz-Kidz, mentore...
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1:06:23
Rich and Tim take on the top three myths in child protection work
In this episode of Messy Social Work, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine explore the complexities of child protection social work. They discuss the myths surrounding the profession, the importance of relationships, and the challe...
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39:26
Rich and Tim introduce 'Messy Social Work' and discuss Rich's blog on reasons for not being a manager
In this episode of the newly named podcast, Rich and Tim discuss Rich's blog; 15 Years in Social Work – And 4 Reasons I am Still Not a Manager.Rich qualified as a social worker 15 years ago and has never held a management role. This has...
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40:02
Professor Anna Gupta (Royal Holloway, University of London) on Poverty and intersectionality
In this episode, we interview Professor Anna Gupta about her early experiences as a social worker, her transition into academia, and her important work on poverty and intersectionality in the context of child protection. We explore:...
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51:24
Rich and Tim on how to find meaning in life
In this episode of the Relational Activism in Social Work podcast, asides Tim's nice hair and the clay.... Tim Fisher FRSA and
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44:17
Jamie Spencer (London Borough of Camden) on Data, Community and Connection
In this episode, we interview Jamie Spencer, who holds the position of 'Head of Insight, Quality, Financial Services, and Digital for Camden Adult Social Care'. However, don't let that job title deter you from listening, as Jamie has had a fasc...
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42:37
Professor Andrew Turnell (Australia) on Safety and belonging in child protection
In this episode, we speak to Professor Andrew Turnell, co-creator of Signs of Safety. In January 2023, he received the Member of the Order of Australia award for his sustained and innovative contributions to child protection social work. Andrew...
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1:13:23
Jo Sutton (ISW and Director of Purple Elephant in the Room) on Assessment and how to change the system
Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: h...
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52:35
Rich shares his learning from a 5 day silent meditation retreat (Bonus episode)
Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: h...
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25:41
Rich, Tim and Parent Activist Kar-Man discuss how to heal from childhood trauma
Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: h...
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44:39
Rich and Tim discuss Child Protection vs. Family Support
Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: h...
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52:17
Martin Hampton (Adult social worker, Camden) on how to see the person not the problem
Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: h...
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56:46
Rich and Tim on relationships in social work and 'Spongy boundaries'
Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions:
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49:34
Rich and Tim answer, 'What is Relational Activism'
Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions:
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39:50
Lee Weston, Care experienced and prison reform advocate on Care, Prison and Transformation
Opening Discussion: Teaching & Activism Conversation with Lee: Care Experience, Prison, and ActivismLee’s Background:Grew up in care, moving through 28+ placements. Entered the justice system at ...
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50:08
Charlotte Spires (Assessment social worker from BANES) on how to navigate conflict in social work
In this episode of the Relation Activism in Social Work podcast, hosts Tim Fisher and Rich Devine engage in a lively discussion that covers a range of topics from personal anecdotes about daily life to reflections on their university experience...
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45:24
Ian Thomas, Tedx Speaker, Care Experienced Social Worker on addiction
This episode explores the profound complexities of addiction, trauma, and recovery, featuring the deeply personal and inspiring journey of guest Ian Thomas, a social worker and speaker with lived experience of addiction and healing.In th...
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53:33
Vicki Shevlin from Social Work Sorted on Supporting newly qualified social workers
In this episode, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine kick off 2025 with reflections on personal and professional goals, recent events, and an inspiring conversation with guest Vicki Shevlin, creator of Social Work Sorted. The discuss...
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54:01
Rich and Tim on the courage to be disliked
Links:Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions:
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1:00:44
Becca Carr Hopkins (ISW and attachment expert) on attachment and the use of self in social work
In this episode, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine are joined by Becca Carr-Hopkins for a powerful conversation about use of self, attachment theory, and the transformative power of relationships in social work practice. Becca shares...
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1:01:22