State of our Nation

In the first episode of series 4 In Conversation, Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe reflect on Kari's conversation with comedian Ria Lina, exploring disability, neurodiversity and the future of social care. They discuss the importance of co-production, designing services around people’s lives, greater choice and opportunity, and recognising social care as a right that enables people to live fulfilling, independent lives. They also look ahead to the Big Conversation on Care , highlighting the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of social care and ensuring people’s rights are properly recognised and funded. Find out more and take part in the Big Conversation: The Big Conversation on Care

The first episode of State of our Nation series 4 explores how society’s systems often exclude anyone who doesn’t fit an imagined “normal”—from disabled people to older adults and unpaid carers. Comedian Ria Lina challenges outdated approaches to education, social care and ageing, making the case for more accessible, visible and human-centred communities. The conversation also examines unpaid care, the value of humour in serious campaigns, and why we must design systems around real lives rather than forcing people to fit the system.

In this episode, Kari and Andy explore the evolving landscape of social care in the UK, emphasising the importance of language, human rights, and strategic framing in influencing policy and public perception. As Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals a potential turning point, the hosts discuss how thoughtful communication and systemic reforms can shape a more equitable future.

In our final episode of this series, we delve into a compelling discussion on social care with Adelina Comas Herrera. During our conversation, we explored the notion that social care should be viewed as an investment in our economy, rather than a mere expense. This post will unpack key insights from the interview and reflect on the broader themes we've encountered throughout this series.

In the final episode of the State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives podcast, Adelina Comas-Herrera, Director of the Global Observatory on Long-Term Care, discusses the challenges and opportunities in social care systems globally. The conversation highlights the funding gaps and inefficiencies in England's social care system, comparing it with international models. Adelina emphasises the need for universal coverage based on need rather than means, and the importance of international collaboration to improve care systems. The discussion also touches on workforce issues, the impact of COVID-19, and the potential for reform through better governance and funding models.

In the eighth episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Sam Bennett.

In this episode of the State of Our Nation podcast, we delve into the intricacies of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. Many people are unaware of the distinct systems in place for older individuals versus working-age people with disabilities. To shed light on this, we invited Dr. Sam Bennett, the inaugural Disability Programme Director at the Grattan Institute, to discuss how the NDIS operates, its benefits, and the challenges it faces.

This episode Kari and Andy McCabe discuss the recent findings of the Casey Commission on social care, exploring societal changes, government responsibilities, and the future of social care reform in England. Featuring insights from Baroness Casey's speech at the Nuffield Conference, the discussion emphasises the importance of informed public engagement, transparency, and systemic change.

In the sixth episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Brendan Martin.

In Episode 6 of State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives Brendan Martin shares his personal journey into social care, insights from the Dutch neighborhood care model, and lessons for scaling innovative practices in the UK. Discover how systemic change, leadership, and relationship-based care can transform social services.

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Marcus Riley.

In the fifth episode, Kari Gerstheimer interviews Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara in Queensland, Australia, to explore the intricacies of Australia's social care and aged care systems. They discuss recent legislative reforms, funding mechanisms, workforce challenges, and lessons that the UK can learn from Australia's approach to aging and social support. Find Marcus' book here: https://www.marcusriley.co/books

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Donald Macaskill.

In this conversation, Kari Gerstheimer speaks with Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care, about the state of social care in Scotland. They discuss Donald's journey into social care, the challenges and successes of the National Care Service, the importance of human rights in care delivery, and the pressing issues surrounding workforce and funding. Donald emphasises the need for a person-led approach to care, the significance of planning for end-of-life care, and the necessity of cross-party political agreement to drive meaningful reform in social care. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of social care, highlighting the potential of technology and innovation to enhance care delivery.

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Mansur Dalal.

Episode 3 features a thoughtful conversation with Mansur Dalal, who traces his path from architecture into elder care, inspired by his experiences caring for his grandfather and mother. Mansur reflects on the social and cultural realities of ageing in India, where a rapidly growing older population is outpacing existing care infrastructure. He discusses the need for clear standards and regulation in elder care, grounded in a person centered approach that honours cultural differences. The episode also explores how technology can enhance quality of life, including Mansur’s work on a reminiscence therapy app for people living with Alzheimer’s, alongside a wider discussion on ethical caregiver migration and the importance of regulation that protects care quality while still allowing innovation to thrive.

In the second episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Vic Rayner.

Episode 2 features a wide ranging conversation with Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum, as she reflects on her journey in social care and the experiences that have shaped her leadership. Vic discusses the growing importance of digital transformation and how technology and data can strengthen care services and better demonstrate the value of social care alongside healthcare. Drawing on international models, she explores what the UK can learn from innovative approaches abroad, while also highlighting the role of intergenerational learning and the practical challenges of embedding new models of care within the current system.

In the first episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation , Kari is joined by Andy McCabe to unpack and reflect on State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives with Phil Hope.

Episode 1 opens with an in depth conversation with Phil Hope, former Minister of State for Care Services, drawing on his long career shaping social care and health policy. Phil reflects on the origins of the National Care Service, the creation of the first national dementia strategy, and why closer integration between health and social care is essential. He explores what a truly national care service could look like, from clear standards to a sustainable workforce strategy, while candidly addressing the political and funding challenges that continue to shape social care reform today.