The Care Leaders's Podcast

The Care Leaders

Tired of the same old talk about children's social care? Us too. That's why we created "Conversations That Care." Hosted by lived experience leader Luke Rodgers BEM and professional powerhouse Karylle Phillips, this isn't your average podcast. We're ditching the buzzwords and diving into the REAL issues facing children in care, care leavers and those with a social worker today. Think: corporate parenting gone wild, the messy truth about "placements," and why leaving care often feels like a disaster. We're not afraid to ask the tough questions and challenge the status quo. Join us monthly as we unpack your burning questions, share hard-won wisdom, and explore what it truly means to lead with care. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, The Care Leaders podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you enhance your practice and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Follow us on: LinkedIn - https://uy.linkedin.com/company/thecareleadersTwitter - https://twitter.com/thecareleadersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecareleaders/Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders - http://eepurl.com/hr6S79

  1. 01/13/2025

    The Role of Corporate Parenting

    "Corporate parenting" is a phrase we hear often in children's social care, but what does it really mean in practice? Does it provide real solutions, or is it just another buzzword in the sector? In this episode of Conversations That Care, Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips take a deep dive into the heart of corporate parenting—its principles, challenges, and potential to transform the lives of children and families. Here’s what you’ll uncover: The Origins of Corporate ParentingWhy was this term introduced, and how does it aim to shift the culture within children's services?The balance between "corporate" and "parenting"—is the terminology part of the problem?Real-World ChallengesHow do frontline workers, local authorities, and policymakers interpret and implement corporate parenting principles?The disconnect between central government guidance and local practice.Reframing Corporate ParentingWhy "enhancing family life" should be at the core of corporate parenting.Practical, actionable ways councils and communities can support children and foster families, from subsidized transport to building stronger relationships with local businesses.Critical ReflectionsAre the principles too vague? What’s missing in the guidance?How does this framework truly address the diverse needs of children, families, and communities?A Call to ActionWhat can professionals, leaders, and the wider community do to bridge the gap between intention and impact?Luke and Carol share their key takeaways: simple, powerful questions like “How can I enhance family life?” to guide every decision and action.Why Listen? Whether you're a social worker, local authority leader, educator, or someone passionate about improving outcomes for care-experienced young people, this episode challenges conventional thinking and encourages meaningful conversations. 🎧 Listen now to discover what corporate parenting can—and should—be. Follow us on: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders.

    29 min
  2. 09/01/2024

    School and Social Care - A Complex Relationship

    In this episode of Conversations That Care, Luke and Karylle delve into the intricate world of young people navigating the complexities of school and social care. With Karylle's unique perspective as a care-experienced social worker, teacher, and aspiring lawyer, listeners gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced by these vulnerable individuals. From the impact of COVID-19 on education to the delicate balance between child-focused systems and the demands on social workers, this episode sparks thought-provoking discussions. Luke and Karylle explore the importance of collaboration between schools and social care, the role of foster carers, and the need for a holistic approach to behaviour management. Whether you're a professional working in education, social care, or youth work, or simply someone passionate about child welfare, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical insights into improving the lives of young people in care. Tune in to discover: The challenges faced by young people balancing school and social careThe importance of collaboration between schools and social care professionalsThe role of foster carers in supporting young peopleThe need for a nuanced approach to behaviour managementDon't miss this essential conversation about creating a better future for our young people. Follow us on: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders.

    34 min
  3. The Power & Ethics of Sharing Lived Experience

    06/17/2024

    The Power & Ethics of Sharing Lived Experience

    Speakers: Luke Rodgers: Founder of The Care Leaders, lived experience leader and former fellow at the University of Oxford. Karylle Phillips: Qualified teacher, social worker, and trauma-informed practitioner. Podcast Overview: In this engaging episode, Luke Rodgers and Karylle Phillips delve into the nuances of sharing lived experiences in the social care sector. They discuss their transition from sharing personal stories to becoming key figures in advocating for systemic change.   Highlights of the Episode:  1. Personal Journeys: Luke and Karylle recount their beginnings in sharing their personal stories to raise awareness and drive change. They discuss how their roles evolved from storytellers to consultants and trainers, highlighting the importance of authenticity and ethical considerations in sharing personal narratives. 2. Influence of Lived Experiences: The discussion covers how sharing lived experiences can impact policy and practice within the social care system. They emphasise the need for engaging lived experience leaders in meaningful ways beyond just storytelling.  3. Ethical Considerations and Challenges: They address the ethical dilemmas of sharing personal trauma and the risk of re-traumatization. The conversation touches on the power dynamics involved in sharing stories and the necessity of support systems for lived experience leaders.  4. Transition and Skill Development: Luke and Karylle talk about moving from sharing personal stories to acquiring skills and knowledge that drive systemic change. They highlight the importance of training and mentorship for lived experience leaders to enhance their impact. 5. Future Integration: The episode concludes with insights on integrating lived experiences more effectively into the social care sector. Luke and Karylle advocate for investing in lived experience leaders and providing them with the tools and support needed to translate their insights into actionable change.  Tune In: Listeners are encouraged to join this thought-provoking conversation on the power and ethics of sharing lived experiences. This episode offers valuable insights for practitioners, policy-makers, and anyone connected to the care system. Follow us on: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders.

    59 min

About

Tired of the same old talk about children's social care? Us too. That's why we created "Conversations That Care." Hosted by lived experience leader Luke Rodgers BEM and professional powerhouse Karylle Phillips, this isn't your average podcast. We're ditching the buzzwords and diving into the REAL issues facing children in care, care leavers and those with a social worker today. Think: corporate parenting gone wild, the messy truth about "placements," and why leaving care often feels like a disaster. We're not afraid to ask the tough questions and challenge the status quo. Join us monthly as we unpack your burning questions, share hard-won wisdom, and explore what it truly means to lead with care. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, The Care Leaders podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you enhance your practice and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Follow us on: LinkedIn - https://uy.linkedin.com/company/thecareleadersTwitter - https://twitter.com/thecareleadersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecareleaders/Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates from our lived experience leaders - http://eepurl.com/hr6S79