How social work is supporting diverse communities in Northern Ireland

Why are men still significantly underrepresented in social work, and what unique perspectives and strengths do they bring to the profession? These questions and more are explored in this final episode of our Care to Chat? Series, as host Dr Wendy Austin MBE is joined by a panel of male social workers and social work professionals from across Northern Ireland to discuss their career journeys, the realities of the profession, and the important role men play in social work today. With more than 6,500 registered social workers in Northern Ireland, around 85% are women. In this episode, the panel reflects on why that imbalance exists, challenges stereotypes around caring professions and highlight the cross-sector and diverse career opportunities available. Joining our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE for the discussion are Dr James Todd, Deputy Head of Service and Lead Approved Social Worker, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Michael Warren, Manager, Extern, Stuart Plants, Probation Officer, Probation Board for Northern Ireland, Paul Campbell, Open University student, Senior Therapy Assistant, Children’s Services, Southern Health and Social Care Trust and Cian Roberts, social work student at Open University on placement with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Drawing on their own experiences, the panel members discuss what attracted them to social work, the importance of diversity within teams, and the valuable role male social workers can play as positive influences in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. They reflect on the unique perspectives men can bring to the profession while supporting people through some of life’s most difficult challenges. Interested in hearing more? Check out this new episode now.

Speaking up can often be seen as a huge personal risk to those who choose to speak out. This includes across the health and social care system.

Talking about death and dying isn’t easy, however it’s an important conversation to have that can make all the difference for individuals and families. As part of Palliative Care Week (6-12 September 2026) we are releasing the latest episode of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council’s ‘Care to Chat?’ podcast. The theme of ‘It’s Not What You Think’ fits well with the discussion. Our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE explores one of the most sensitive yet important conversations in health and social care – focussing on palliative care, death and dying. Joined by Professor Audrey Roulston, Queen’s University Belfast, Aislinn Delaney, Northern Ireland Hospice, Rosena Robinson, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Fiona Somers from Voices for Care, they discuss how honest communication, compassionate care and person-centred planning can help people live as well as possible following a life-limiting diagnosis. The episode offers valuable insight for social work and social care professionals, while also providing reassurance and practical guidance for anyone supporting someone with a life-limiting illness or planning for future care. Want to learn more? Listen to the episode now.

How do you start to break down the complexities of what violence against women and girls means in Northern Ireland, in particular for the social work and social care workforce?

Social work is a global practice with common values and transferable skills – it is a profession that embraces cultural diversity and sees different practice experiences as being a strength for social work practice, including in the Northern Ireland context. This episode is a celebration of that, as ‘Care to chat?’ dedicates a conversation to internationally qualified social workers – both those who are thinking of coming to work in Northern Ireland, those who are already working here and those who support them on their journey to supporting communities.So, who are internationally qualified social workers’ and how come they want to practice social work in Northern Ireland? In the studio with our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE, are Tricia Devlin, Professional Adviser, Northern Ireland Social Care Council, Rosie Fleming, Social Work Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Albert Abraham, Social Worker, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust who is originally from India and Kellie Young, Probation Officer, Probation Board for Northern Ireland, who is a proud Yorta Yorta woman from Yorta Yorta Country in Victoria, Australia.Tips and hints, and things to look out for, are shared, including expert advice from those with experience of becoming registered to work in Northern Ireland.What is clear is the fulfilling work internationally qualified social workers are doing to make a difference for us all.Content warning: The episode deals with sensitive issues related to racism and other forms of discrimination. If this topic raises sensitive or triggering emotions for you, now may not be the right time for you to listen to it. Look after yourself when listening to this and ensure you seek support if you need it.