What Does Good Care Look Like?

In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Patrick Vernon about his career tackling inequality, challenging power and working across health, social care, government and communities. They explore health equity, community-powered commissioning, co-production and the challenge of genuinely integrating health and social care - asking what needs to change for communities to have a greater voice in shaping...

In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Melanie Williams, Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Organisational Change (DASS) at West Northants Council, and Former ADASS President, about her 30-year career in social care and her passion for social justice, equality and better lives for people. They explore technology as a tool for participation, supporting working-age adults and transition pat...

What does it take to create truly person-led care? In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Chris Watson, Founder of Self-Directed Futures, about why choice, control and self-directed support remain central to improving adult social care. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across commissioning and social care, Chris shares his perspective on the challenges of traditional care models, the im...

Shirley Way, Midlands Head of Region at Skills for Care, joins us to highlight that good care starts with how we treat the people delivering it. This episode dissects:🔸 How values-based recruitment shapes culture🔸 Why development doesn’t always mean promotion🔸 Tension between professional boundaries and family care🔸 Professionalising social care pathways for the futureFrom children’s services...

We’re joined by Isaac Samuels OBE, who shares his lived experience of mental health services and the impact of being given a diagnostic label, alongside his work across social care and co-production. Together, we explore: 🔸What happens when care becomes overly systemised🔸The importance of managing yourself before managing others 🔸What changes when people and trust are placed at the centre of ca...

In this episode, Charlie reflects on her unexpected journey through social care, from a 17-year-old kitchen assistant peering through a serving hatch to a specialist now called in when services are struggling. Drawing on her own experience of growing up in children’s services, she talks about the empathy and determination that shaped her approach to care, as well as the impact of a rare, hands-on...

In this special episode of 'What Does Good Care Look Like?', Amy sits down with Councillor Sharon Thompson for an open and inspiring conversation about care, community, and systemic change. Sharon reflects on her own experience of teenage homelessness and how it shaped her 11 years in local politics, including her role as Birmingham’s Deputy Leader and the West Midlands’ first female Deputy Mayor....

Lynsey shares her journey from studying psychology to leading innovative support for neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities. She talks about the experiences that shaped her values, the importance of environment and consistency in care, and how truly listening to individuals leads to life-changing outcomes. From helping people move out of hospital and into fulfilling lives, to c...

In this inspiring conversation, Katie shares her unique journey of literally growing up in care, from her grandparents’ nursing home to leading digital transformation in social care. She talks about how technology, culture change, and human connection come together to define “good care,” and looks ahead to the future of AI, data, and sustainability in the sector. A thoughtful blend of nostalgia, i...

Stella shares her journey from nursing to founding Stella Care, and what she believes truly defines “good care.” She reflects on the importance of hands-on training, empathy, and communication, and explains how her nurse-led, tech-enabled model is shaping the future of home care. Stella also highlights the growing demand for nursing as people live longer with more complex conditions, and how her t...

In this episode, Lewis shares his inspiring journey towards greater independence, supported by good care and the right people around him. He talks about learning essential life skills like budgeting, using public transport, volunteering, and taking on leadership roles in disability sports coaching. Lewis also reflects on the importance of supportive staff, confidence-building, and speaking up when...

Ashleigh shares a heartfelt and thought-provoking perspective on reimagining social care. Drawing from decades of experience, she introduces the “bridging support model” and the African philosophy of ubuntu, “I am because we are” to highlight the power of consistency, community, and culture in delivering truly human-centred care. It's a powerful reminder that great care starts from the heart, valu...

In this episode, Jake shares his journey and insights on good care. From his administrative role at Care Catalyst Group to life-saving moments as a volunteer, Jake discusses how reasonable adjustments help individuals thrive in the workplace. He also talks about his experience speaking at conferences, working with the National Autistic Society, and his involvement with the Oliver McGowan training....

In this episode of What Does Good Care Look Like? , we speak with Adam, founder of Burley Inclusive, about redefining care through a unique blend of education and support. He shares how his personal experience with dyslexia shaped his approach, the development of the "Gradually Fading Support" framework, and why enabling independence through thoughtful, person-centred care can transform lives.