Meet your hosts, Abigail and Josh, alongside producer and co-host Tom, as they introduce themselves and share the journeys that led them into social work and on to becoming practice educators.

In this opening episode, they reflect on their personal and professional experiences, the motivations behind their work, and the inspiration for creating this podcast. Join them as they set the scene for honest conversations, shared learning, and insights from the world of social work practice and education.

For clarity throughout this podcast, some professional terms used in discussion are explained below.

Local Authority – A local authority is an administrative organisation responsible for governing local areas within the UK, including the delivery of public services and local planning functions.

Source: OCSI – “Local Authority” (https://ocsi.uk/term/local-authority/)

Statutory Social Work – Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under legal duties and powers held by local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs.

Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.

Source: Scottish Government – The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions (https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/)

Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.

Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork