Messy Social Work

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: - The social model  - intersectionality  - The role of poverty in child abuse and neglect  - The capabilities approach Here is the link to the powerful Archie Roach s...

In this episode of the Relational Activism in Social Work podcast, asides Tim's nice hair and the clay....   Tim Fisher FRSA and Richard Devine discuss the powerful insights from James Hollis' Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. They explore the challenges of midlife, from the loss of purpose in previously fulfilling careers to the struggle between ego and soul. Rich shares his p...

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 fascinating journey through social care from support worker to senior leader and has been at the forefront of driving change at Camden Council. W...

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 is internationally renowned for his ground-breaking work in developing safety-organized, solution-focused, and systemic approaches to statutory child prote...

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Links:  Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Links:  Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

Opening Discussion: Teaching & Activism  Conversation with Lee: Care Experience, Prison, and Activism Lee’s Background: Grew up in care, moving through 28+ placements.  Entered the justice system at 17, receiving a 5-year sentence Lee talks about: The Impact of the Fellowship & Retreat Reflects on the Justice System & Care Experience Describes the cycle of placement breakdowns leading...

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 experiences and the challenges faced in direct work with children in social work.  They also touch on upcoming professional events and introduce guest Charlotte Spire...

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 this conversation, we cover: Understanding Addiction and Trauma Drawing from Gabor Maté’s In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, the discussion highlights addiction as a re...

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 discussion explores social work practice, personal growth, and the profession’s challenges.    Key Highlights:         1.  Personal Reflections and Goals:           •Rich emphasizes...

Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/  

 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 her journey into social work, insights on adapting to challenging environments, and how understanding attachment can unlock deeper connections with families. Rich reflects...

 Links:  Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/ Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/ 

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 from his 14 years in social work, focusing on the challenges of evaluating a parent’s capacity to change within child protection contexts.            1.       Challenges in Assessi...

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  We hope you enjoyed this episode, please do contact us and share your reflections. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to explore, do get in to...

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. The episode’s highlight is a conversation with R...

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 the defensive mechanisms that arise in challenging...

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-generation care-experienced individual, her role...

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 voice note from social worker and TEDx speak...

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 concluding with an Eckart Tolle quote—no, wait, we th...