State of our Nation

Will Pike joins Kari to discuss disability, autonomy, and the systems that shape access to support. Drawing on his experience of spinal injury and his work as a disability rights campaigner, Will explains how bureaucracy, inaccessible environments, and decisions made without disabled people can undermine dignity and inclusion. They explore why lived experience matters, how universal design can ben...

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe discuss Kari's recent conversation with Will Pike and why people need to know their rights before they reach crisis. They explore how to move from repeated assessments and “fight for it yourself” systems toward proactive support, accessible housing, and a society where everyone can live a good life. Acce...

This episode of State of our Nation explores why social care in England is at breaking point, and why meaningful reform has proved so difficult. Sonia Sodha breaks down how the system works, why more than a million adults are going without the care they need, and how the current model places too much responsibility on families. The conversation also examines funding, the value of care work, and wh...

Episode 2 of State of Our Nation in Conversation explores what the future of social care could look like, from the Casey Commission and pooled risk to the questions of fairness, dignity and who should pay. Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe unpack the realities of navigating social care, disability-related costs and means-testing, while asking what it would take to build a system that works for peop...

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 Comedian Ria Lina challenges outdated approaches to education, social care and ageing, making the case for more accessible, visible and human-centred communities.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...

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 fulfill...

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 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...

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 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 discu...

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.

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 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 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 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: http...

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 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 perso...

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.

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 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 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 inte...

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 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 serv...

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.

This final episode of the "State of Our Nation" podcast features a heartfelt conversation between co-hosts Kari Gerstheimer and Anna Severwright as they reflect on the series, and discuss the current challenging state of social care. They double down on the onslaught of recent policy and financial decisions that seem to be negatively impacting people who rely on social care; discuss reactions to t...