Social Workers Matter

This episode opens differently. Before anything else, I pause to pay tribute to Professor Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor in Cambridge's history, who died after years of sustained public scrutiny. It's a moment to name a name, honour a life, and reflect on the particular weight carried by those who rise while being watched for a mistake. From there, the episode moves into a solo adaptation of the presentation I delivered for SCAPA, "Why Policies Fail Without Reflective Practice." Drawing on my doctoral work on Bion and Isabel Menzies Lyth, I unpack why even the best-written safeguarding policy collapses without the relational infrastructure of reflective supervision behind it, and what inspectors, leaders, and practitioners alike miss when they mistake procedure for practice. In This Episode A Tribute to Professor Jason Arday: I pause the usual format to honour Professor Jason Arday, who died in London following years of sustained media scrutiny after becoming Cambridge's youngest Black professor. Rather than relitigating the allegations made against him, this segment names the pattern beneath the story, using Menzies Lyth's thinking on institutions and anxiety to explore how public and organisational discomfort gets displaced onto individuals, particularly Black people who rise. A moment of stillness for anyone doing work that puts them in rooms they had to fight to enter. Why Policies Fail Without Reflective Practice (main segment). Adapted from my SCAPA conference session, this segment explores: Why organisations can write increasingly sophisticated policy while practice on the ground quietly worsens Menzies Lyth's Work on social defences against anxiety, and how bureaucracy can become a substitute for thinking rather than a support for it What reflective supervision actually does when it's done well, and why it can't be replaced by a checklist The difference between compliance and containment, and why "caring is not the same as thinking" A grounding scenario (originally a live breakout exercise) inviting listeners to hold a case of their own, where the procedure was followed correctly, but the relational opportunity was missed A closing three-level reflection: what this means for me , for my team , and for my organisation Key Themes #Reflective practice #Safeguarding culture #Menzies Lyth Bion & containment #Anti-racist practice #Institutional anxiety #Reflective Supervision #Leadership Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

In this episode, I sit down with Veronica Xavier-Leigh — author of The Mountain Beneath the Carpet: Healing the Little Child Hidden Within Us — for one of the most profound conversations we've had on the podcast. Together we explore: Emotional Suppression and Childhood Trauma Childhood Trauma and Adult Behaviour Listening to the Inner Child Pattern of Controlling Relationships Personal Healing Journey Faith Journey Transition Self-Healing for Helping Professionals Upcoming Book Veronica is open and generous about the hard lessons drawn from her lived experience, including her difficult marriages. Whether you're a practitioner, a leader, or someone simply navigating your own healing, her wisdom and insight will land. Find Veronica at https://veronicaxavierleigh.com/ YouTube Channel: @Veronica Xavier Leigh - SoulRise Sounds for uplifting Lyrics, with every track being created to inspire, heal, and remind you of your strength. Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

I've been away from this space longer than planned. Life and loss asked something of me that I needed to honour first. I'm back. And the episode I'm returning with feels right. This is a solo episode. Personal. Reflective. And I hope, useful. I talk about a period in my career when I became the kind of manager I wouldn't have wanted for myself, not because I didn't care, but because nobody had given me the tools to lead differently. I talk about what use of self actually means in practice, not as theory, but as lived experience. I talk about why this concept is not neutral. For Black practitioners and leaders, bringing yourself has always carried a different weight. And I talk about what organisations must create, not as a luxury, but as a condition for people to do this Work sustainably. The Work is relational. Leadership is relational. And it begins with you.

Lifting as you climb: a conversation with Odeth Richardson Head of Service for Occupational Therapy, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust & Chair, Royal College of Occupational Therapists What does it look like to lead with purpose, replenish yourself honestly, and commit to leaving a profession better than you found it? In this episode of Social Workers Matter, Sylvia sits down with the remarkable Odeth Richardson, a trailblazing occupational therapist, published poet, and senior leader, for a conversation that is as warm and wise as it is professionally rich. From her childhood in Jamaica, where staying occupied with chores and daily activities was simply a way of life, to becoming the first Black Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Odeth's journey is one of accidental leadership, intentional mentorship, and hard-won self-knowledge. IN THIS EPISODE What occupational therapy actually is, and why it's one of the most powerful tools for reducing inequality. The mentor who changed everything, and how Odeth now pays that forward. Stepping down to step up, the courageous decision to prioritise self-care over duty. Leading 36,000 occupational therapists across four nations, and doing it as a proud introvert. Poetry, baking, dancing — how Odeth truly replenishes herself The book, celebrating ' Caribbean perspectives in occupational therapy', has been three years in the making A live reading of Odeth's poem Like a Phoenix , inspired by Maya Angelou One of the most moving moments in this episode comes when Odeth reflects on stepping down as Chair of the Race Equality Staff Network after a decade of service. It wasn't failure, it was wisdom. She recognised that an empty cup cannot nourish others, and that the self-compassion she championed for colleagues had to begin with herself. It's a lesson that will resonate deeply with anyone working in the caring professions. Odeth also speaks candidly about the uneven distribution of stretch opportunities in the NHS, and why equity in development matters as much as equity in hiring. Her commitment to mentoring, whether through the Elizabeth Casson Trust, the Caribbean Writers Network, or her role as trustee at the Great North Children's Hospital Foundation, speaks to a leader who understands that legacy is built in people, not positions. GUEST Odeth Richardson Head of Service for OT, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals · Chair, Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Poet, Author of ' Reflections of an Island Girl'. If this episode moved you, share it with a colleague. And if you're a social worker, OT, or anyone working in health and care who sometimes forgets to fill their own cup, this one's for you. Reflections of an Island Girl by Odeth Richardson is available at Amazon here https://amzn.eu/d/07Fv7TGV Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

Caribbean Perspectives in Occupational Therapy in the UK is a pioneering resource that brings cultural specificity into occupational therapy practice, centring the experiences and needs of Caribbean communities living in the UK. It is notably authored by occupational therapists of Caribbean heritage themselves, lending the work an authenticity and lived-experience grounding that sets it apart. The publication draws on biographical narratives and case studies to explore how cultural identity, heritage, and lived experience shape health outcomes and occupational engagement for Caribbean people in the UK. By weaving personal stories alongside practical applications, it bridges theory and real-world practice in an accessible way. A core theme running through the work is health inequalities — acknowledging the systemic and structural barriers that Caribbean communities face in healthcare settings and equipping occupational therapists with tools to address them more effectively. Alongside this, it champions cultural humility as a professional stance, encouraging practitioners to reflect critically on their own assumptions and to engage with clients in a respectful, curiosity-driven way rather than through a one-size-fits-all approach. The resource also emphasises social inclusion, recognising that meaningful participation in everyday life — the heart of occupational therapy — cannot be understood without attending to cultural context. At the same time, it celebrates the richness and vibrancy of Caribbean culture, framing it not merely as a backdrop to disadvantage but as a source of strength, identity, and resilience. For practitioners, the text offers concrete, actionable insights for continuing professional development, making it a valuable tool for both individual therapists and organisations working toward more culturally responsive and equitable care. In this SWM episode, we're joined by some of the great minds and committed colleagues, Dr Blaine Robin, Odeth Richardson, Jennie Alexander and Melisa Henry. As the book's launch date draws closer, we will meet other contributors to this much-needed text. Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom: An Essential Practice Guide and Study Manual https://amzn.eu/d/04b1tnTr Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

A Valentine’s Day to Social Workers In this powerful Valentine’s Day episode, Amja shares her transformative Self-Soothing Creative Steps (SSCS) framework—a lifeline born from her own journey through domestic abuse and a beacon for those who pour themselves into caring for others. The framework’s four pillars—support, self-love, spirituality, and security—challenge the extractive culture that demands women / social workers prove their worth through constant depletion. Amja speaks to a truth many recognise: the expectation, especially for Black women, to prioritise everyone else while neglecting themselves leads to burnout that serves no one. What makes this conversation revolutionary is its refusal to accept martyrdom as virtue. Asking for support isn’t weakness; setting boundaries isn’t selfishness. These are acts of preservation that enable sustainable, meaningful work. Amja’s background as both a service user and a consultant gives her unique insight into how organisational culture can either nurture or drain its people. The discussion addresses generational shifts in workplace expectations, in which younger professionals increasingly reject disrespectful treatment and demand compensation that reflects their value. This isn’t entitlement—it’s overdue recognition that caring professions deserve adequate resources and respect. Through art-led activities like “Let the Pen Speak,” Amja creates spaces for difficult conversations about harm and well-being. Her work reminds us that self-expression and reflection aren’t luxuries but necessities for those holding others’ pain daily. As AI threatens to further dehumanise work, this episode offers a counterpoint: What if technology freed us to bring more creativity, emotion, and humanity to our roles? What if organisations aligned their principles with employees’ well-being rather than extraction? This Valentine’s Day, Amja’s message resonates: true service begins with serving yourself. Only then can you offer others genuine, sustainable care.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ www.amjaunabashedly.com amja@amjaunabashedly.com " Let Art Be Your Becoming " Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

Welcome to this new episode of Social Workers Matter, my guest today is Antonia Amja Lee where creativity meets resilience and empowerment! Join us as we dive into Amja’s inspiring journey —a self-taught artist and motivational speaker who has transformed her life through art after overcoming the shadows of domestic abuse. In today’s episode, Amja introduces her innovative framework, the Self-Soothing Creative Steps, and shares how creativity can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and advocacy. Prepare to be moved as Amja discusses how her artwork resonates deeply with audiences, tackling profound themes of self-love, cultural beauty standards, and Black identity. She reveals the transformative power of visual art to express complex ideas and foster understanding in our communities. We explore her remarkable transition from focusing on trauma to embracing joy as a vital tool for healing and advocacy. Interestingly, discover her experiences in boxing and her current project, "Journey to the Ring," which honours stories of empowerment through creativity and movement. In this episode, Amja discusses: - Art as a Trauma Recovery Tool - Mindfulness and Personal Growth - The Power of Art to Connect and Inspire - Meaning and Audience Collaboration in Art - Black Artistry and Identity - Authentic Black Storytelling Through Art - Reclaiming Power Through Joy - Creative Empowerment Through Movement Amja's passion and joy are infectious, and her unwavering belief in her mission shines through every word. So, get ready to be inspired as we welcome Amja Lee—her love and light are sure to ignite your creative spirit! https://1drv.ms/b/c/6ae3883c84b04dc2/IQAAJLNZIG8TQbloh6SghJfaAXIl9rLnTTat1i6hymuDCashttps mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f0b9e36446&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1848875935329232224&th=19a886de0f112560&view=att&zw&disp=inline www.amjaunabashedly.com amja@amjaunabashedly.com " Let Art Be Your Becoming " Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

In Conversation with Professor Prospera Tedam SFHEA Join me for an inspiring conversation with the remarkable Professor Prospera Tedam, from the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin. Professor Tedam takes us on a journey through her career spanning both academia and frontline practice, sharing insights which are sure to resonate with social work professionals, students, and those passionate about social justice. Professor Tedam opens up about her fascinating five-year experience working in the United Arab Emirates, offering her perspectives on how social work practice translates across different cultural contexts and what she learned from this vital experience. Professor Tedam is passionate about school social work as a specialism. She discusses: The tremendous value this field brings to children and their families How school-based social work creates impact in the lives of vulnerable children Why school placements offer enriching and invaluable learning experiences for social work students Professor Tedam created the MANDELA Model, which was designed to support and enhance the experiences of student social workers, with particular sensitivity toward Black and minoritised students who are not well served. Hear the story behind its creation and how it’s making a difference in social work education. Professor Tedam teases exciting upcoming research outcomes, scheduled for release in 2026. Find Professor Tedam’s work available here: https://people.ucd.ie/prospera.tedam/publications Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

In conversation with Dr Andrea J. Boudreaux, a seasoned physician with a wealth of experience, she shares her insights on the pressing challenges within the U.S. healthcare system. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into themes like trust, resilience, and the urgent need for change. Dr Boudreaux doesn’t shy away from discussing the stark realities of a broken system that often fails marginalised communities. Yet, amidst the challenges, she remains hopeful, embodying the spirit of a promise-driven leader. Her candid reflections on both her professional journey and personal experiences reveal the complexities of healthcare and the radical transformations needed to make it equitable for all. Get ready to be inspired as we explore how to navigate despair with determination and the importance of never giving up on creating a better future for healthcare. Listen to discover how one leader’s vision can spark change in an entire system! Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

This is episode 101 of SWM, and Psychotherapist Hugh Mayers is our special guest. In our conversation, Hugh shares details about his career, and we take a deeper dive into his interesting work with young men at HM Prison Feltham following a difficult period, as well as his work with several school Pupil Referral Units and his meaningful therapeutic work with young Black boys. Hugh can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X, he hosts his own community radio talk show @https://erccommunityradio.co.uk/ to reach out to him directly, at Emotionalinsight@hotmail.co.uk Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website : www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co

Celebrating 100 episodes of SWM, whoop whoop! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🎤 Here is the interview my friend and colleague, the lovely Sharon Jennings, did with me when the 5th Anniversary arrived. Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website: www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'We are giving Back' - Safeguarding in the Caribbean D. Aleski Brandy-Williams and his Team D. Aleski Brandy-Williams is a qualified Social worker and the CEO of Brandy-Williams Ltd. He is the author of the book 'My Journey to Becoming a Black Male Social Worker.' In this podcast, we discuss his career, how he found social work, the value he places on contextual safeguarding practice and, importantly, a colossal undertaking he and his team have embarked upon in St Kitts and Nevis. www.brandy-williams.co.uk https://gofund.me/676e5aa0 Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! Website: www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful episode of "Social Workers Matter," Dr. Sylvia B. Smith engages with Denise Harvey and Arlene P. Weekes as they share their recent collaboration on the book "Effective Personal and Professional Judgment in Social Work." Throughout the episode, the authors explore the complexities of decision-making in social work and the broader application of the concepts in other sectors. Listeners will learn about the significance of Arlene’s decision-making tool, Effective Personal & Professional Judgement, aka EPPJ, and the plans to create a comprehensive training package for individuals and organisations. Denise and Arlene also share their enthusiasm about promoting the book in various settings, including universities and international entrepreneurial training programs. As the episode wraps up, the focus shifts to promoting the model, with discussions on utilising social media and training opportunities to reach a wider audience. The episode not only highlights the journey of these inspiring women but also encourages the audience to reflect on their own decision-making processes and the value of adaptability in their careers. Tune in for a rich blend of personal stories, professional insights, and practical strategies to elevate social work practices. For your copy, use this link https://eppj.org/about-eppj/#publications Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Episode 97 of "Social Workers Matter"! Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable colleagues, Shabnam Ahmed and Jo Williams, who are not only dear friends but also passionate advocates for transformative supervision practice. They bring with them a wealth of experience and insight, having contributed to the newly released second edition of "The Anti-Racist Social Worker in Practice," edited by Nimal, Jude, Tanya Moore, and Glory Simango. In this episode, we'll dive into their journey as authors of Chapter 11, "Co-Creating a Model for Anti-Racist Supervision." Shabnam and Jo will share their collaborative process and the powerful insights they've gained along the way. You won't want to miss the practical wisdom and strategies they offer to enhance our practice and foster a more inclusive environment. 'The Anti-Racist Social Worker in Practice' ed. by Nimal Jude, Tanya Moore & Glory Simango Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! http://www.youtube.com/@shabnamahmed4812 www.jwsocialworkconsulting.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna from Florida State University (FSU) completed her final Social Work placement at Doctors of the World. She was here for four months, and I met with her regularly as her long-term supervisor. We used this episode as an end-of-placement reflection session. Anna shared what she learned about the organisation, the work, and herself. She intends to complete her Master's in Social Work upon returning to the US and feels her experience in the UK has potentially equipped her for an international career. She was a delight to supervise; insightful, reflective and respectful of those she encountered in her work with DoTW. I wish her every success in the future and have no doubt she will be an asset to the profession. Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlene Firmin, an influential sociology figure and a youth violence specialist. Carlene shares her career trajectory, highlighting the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped her as a researcher. She emphasises the significance of mentorship and strong leadership in her professional growth and development, offering valuable lessons. She discusses contextual safeguarding, which she developed from her PhD research. This innovative approach emphasises the importance of understanding the social contexts surrounding youth to better protect them from violence. We delve into the critical aspects of her research on youth violence and how it informs her work and advocacy with social services and other partners. Join us for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the complexities of youth violence and inspires social workers to embrace innovative approaches like contextual safeguarding in their practice. Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 94th episode of SWM! In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the outstanding Jazz Browne, CEO of the Nubian Life Resource Day Centre, a provision for Black and Asian elders. Jazz is a passionate community activist with deep roots in her neighbourhood. She shares her journey and how she arrived at Nubian Life, where she leads a dedicated and joyful team that continues providing essential services to the community despite facing significant financial challenges. Throughout our conversation, Jazz discussed the five pillars established by service users: foundation, faith, family, food, and fun. She voiced her concerns about their uncertain future and highlighted the ongoing efforts to fundraise and sustain their vital work. Make sure to listen until the end for exciting details about their upcoming fundraiser in June, which will feature a sponsored walk and celebrate local Black history. Join us as we meet Jazz and dive deeper into the impactful work of Nubian Life Resource Day Centre! Hammersmith & Fulham Sponsored Walk - 22nd June 2025 Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us and remember—social workers matter! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this captivating episode of *Social Workers Matter*, we sit down with Professor Frank Keating, a prominent figure in social work and mental health. Frank, who recently retired from his role at Royal Holloway University of London, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. Key Highlights: A Pragmatist's Perspective: Frank shares his unique approach to writing and academia, emphasizing that he only writes when he has something meaningful to convey. Career Journey : Discover the challenges and triumphs that shaped Frank's transition from lecturer to professor and how his experiences have informed his beliefs about social work. Cultural Sensitivity: Frank discusses the importance of cultural sensitivity in social work practice and how it enhances our ability to notice and respond to individuals' diverse needs. Curiosity and Vibrancy of London: Learn how London's vibrant culture has influenced Frank's work and perspective, fueling his curiosity about the people and communities he serves. Addressing Unspoken Issues: he discusses the significance of tackling unspoken issues in social work and how this impacts client relationships and outcomes. Building Inner Strength: Frank shares insights on developing inner strength for success in the demanding field of social work, offering practical advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers. Latest Research Project: This section provides a glimpse into Frank's latest research, which documents mental health experiences and highlights the importance of this work in today’s society. Listen in to hear Frank's passionate insights and gain inspiration for your journey in social work! Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Join us for this enlightening conversation, and remember—social workers matter! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Natalie, the dynamic founder of Social Life, on a crisp Friday morning. What began as a chilly start quickly became a heartfelt conversation that warmed us up. Natalie shares her career journey and passion for empowering newly qualified and seasoned social work practitioners. Through her consultancy, Social Life, she is dedicated to helping teams and organisations gain a profound understanding of the impact upon the self of providing social care services. Motivated by her own experiences, Natalie sought coaching to navigate her emotional responses to her work, and now she's on a mission to guide others in their journey. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection and how it can transform our work as frontline practitioners and leaders. Specialising in Nervous System Regulation and Trauma-Informed Self-Care, Natalie brings her expertise to life through dynamic training sessions, engaging keynote talks, and practical coaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Natalie and discover how her insights can enhance your practice and support your growth. Tune in and be inspired! Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A short episode recorded partly during my gym workout session—some final reflections for 2024. Next year is my 40th Anniversary of being a qualified social worker; what a ride! I will be marking this milestone for sure.............. Happy New Year and Peace! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.