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
51 episodes
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
Rich and Tim on how to create organisational and systemic change in social work
Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programmeRich Devine's blog: https://rich...
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59:57
Rich, Tim and Lee Crouch (parent with lived experience) on how to assess a parents capacity to change
The podcast focuses on two main themes: assessing capacity to change in social work and a parent’s personal journey through the child protection system. Part 1: Assessing Capacity to Change Rich Devine shares insights fr...
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1:06:33
Rich and Tim on the why, what and how of Family Group Conferences
Tim's article: https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/138533/bernheim-et-al-2024-the-power-and-potential-of-space-and-place-in-family-group-conferencing-reimagining-the-role-of-the.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y&nbs...
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53:10
Renata (Newly Qualified Social Work in Child Protection, East Sussex) on small acts that make a big difference as a social worker
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 exp...
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49:15
Rich and Tim on ideas for social workers who feel ‘stuck’ or overwhelmed
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....
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48:39
Care Experienced Activist, Terri-Anne Hamer on growing up in care, shame and healing
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 voic...
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48:40
Rich and Tim on top tips for direct Work with children and insights from Maya Angelou
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 di...
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44:46