Iriss.fm, Scotland's social services podcast
Research, projects and events on topics related to social work and social care.
info_outline
Enable Respect Group: raising awareness of hate crime
02/16/2023
Enable Respect Group: raising awareness of hate crime
The is composed of champions who increase awareness of hate crime in Scotland, and provide training to anyone interested to learn more about it. In this episode, Michael McEwan speaks to Jason Methven from Fortune Work Enable Scotland, and Sally Elfverson, a member of the Respect Group about the initiative. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/25911288
info_outline
Moving community social work upstream
12/05/2022
Moving community social work upstream
The community social work conference was held on 8 November 2022 in Dunfermline. It was focused on a new model of community social work, which has been launched in Fife. We spoke to Colin Turbett, social work author and consultant; and Kathy Henwood, the CSWO of Fife Education and Children’s Services. They provided an introduction to community social work and the set up in Fife. We also heard from Anne Fitzpatrick, the Team Manager at Fife, Leanne Christie, social work assistant; and Janet, a woman who was supported by the community hubs. They told us about the community social work model in practice. Resources . Iriss Insight: . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/25175361
info_outline
This is Me: valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities
10/31/2022
This is Me: valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities
is a campaign that aims to increase public awareness of the experiences of people with learning disabilities. It is a partnership of the (SLDO), the (SCLD), and (PAMIS). Michael McEwan speaks to Dr Deborah Kinnear at SLDO about the campaign. Follow the hashtag: #ThisisMe22 . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/24792795
info_outline
ENRICH Scotland: supporting research in care homes
10/18/2022
ENRICH Scotland: supporting research in care homes
is a programme of work that supports research in care homes. We speak to the Co-chairs, Emma Law and Susan Shenkin about the programme, what it’s achieving and it’s ambitions. They explain how research undertaken in care homes improves the lives of people who live in care homes, their families and care home staff. Resources . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/24665634
info_outline
Heart Community Teams
09/23/2022
Heart Community Teams
Heart is a wellbeing model of service delivery for children and their families in East Ayrshire. It is an approach in keeping with the principles of a human rights-based, inclusive service design and delivery. Michelle from Iriss speaks to Andrew Bryers about the model, its aims and progress to date. Andrew has been social worker since 2007 and has worked in Scotland, London and Australia. He spent six years as a team manager in East Ayrshire before taking on the role of Programme Lead of Heart Community Teams in 2020. if you would like to chat to Andrew about the model and the approach in East Ayrshire, email: . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/24447555
info_outline
New Routes Home
07/05/2022
New Routes Home
is a partnership of interested individuals and organisations across Scotland who campaign for the right of all people with disabilities to have their own home and to have meaningful choices around where they live, and who (if anyone) lives with them. This includes having choices around how support is organised and directed. Michael McEwan speaks to Alastair Minty from In Control Scotland about the campaign. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/23623547
info_outline
The role of technology in rural social work
05/23/2022
The role of technology in rural social work
Is technology the answer for rural social work? Jane Pye, Lecturer in Social Work at Lancaster University. explores the potential benefits of using technology, for social workers and people who live rurally and use services. She also considers the dangers of suggesting that the use of technology is the answer to the challenges of working with rural and remote people and diverse communities. This presentation was recorded at an event held on 4 May 2022. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/23163929
info_outline
Changing how homecare is commissioned and delivered
05/10/2022
Changing how homecare is commissioned and delivered
How do we help people live their lives as they want? How can we commission services in a more ethical and person-centred way? The Gwynedd social care team and local health board in Wales have been changing how home care has been commissioned and delivered. They’ve created a model that moves away from ‘time and task’ to one that is more person- and relationship-centred. Meilys Heulfryn-Smith, Programme Lead of Community Transformation at Gwynedd Council and Alison Hughes, Manager at Gofal Seibiant Care tell us about their work and experiences in Wales. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/22529855
info_outline
'We all have human rights'
04/19/2022
'We all have human rights'
takes place from 2 until 8 May, and the theme for this year is ‘We all have human rights’. Michael McEwan speaks to Libby Clement and Oonagh Brown from the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) about the theme, its importance and what's happening over the week. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/22823600
info_outline
ENABLE Works
03/08/2022
ENABLE Works
helps people with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment to obtain and sustain rewarding employment. What are some of the barriers and what is the current situation for disabled people seeking employment? Michael McEwan speaks to Lianne Williams, Depute Director at ENABLE Scotland, and Mark Cuff, who speaks about his experiences of seeking and sustaining employment. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/22362725
info_outline
A new model of support for independent living
02/21/2022
A new model of support for independent living
In November 2021, Iriss held event that explored how to shape and support independent, inclusive living for people. Our guest speaker was Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi, an artist, filmmaker and activist. She was nominated one of the 30, most inspirational women in Scotland under the age of 30 in 2017, and was Muscular Dystrophy UK Campaigner of the Year in 2018. Kiana gives her views from her own personal experiences of how we can move forward with independent living support, and how to get it right for everyone. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/22201067
info_outline
Disability: what's the learning from Covid-19?
02/09/2022
Disability: what's the learning from Covid-19?
For disabled people, what has been the learning from the Covid-19 pandemic? And what now needs to happen to ensure better lives? Michael McEwan, a reporter on disability issues, speaks to Health Journalist and Broadcaster, Pennie Taylor about the history of care and support for people with disabilities, the impact of Covid-19 and how support and services can be improved. He also speaks to Tracey Campbell, a parent whose daughter has Angelman syndrome, and Sanjeev Man, a Freelance Journalist and Disability Campaigner, to understand their experiences and get their views on what needs to change. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/22049849
info_outline
Rural lives: poverty and social exclusion
01/19/2022
Rural lives: poverty and social exclusion
Jayne Glass and Mark Shucksmith present the findings from the published in March 2021. It investigates why and how people in rural areas experience poverty and social exclusion, with a focus on financial hardship and vulnerability. The research is based on three study areas: Harris, East Perthshire and Northumberland. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/21809477
info_outline
Rural social work: staying connected
12/08/2021
Rural social work: staying connected
What can rural social workers take from the experiences of the pandemic and how can they stay connected? Digital technologies and our experiences during COVID-19 have highlighted new ways for rural social workers to connect to and support one another, and gain access to new learning opportunities. Iain Ramsay, Professional Social Work Adviser at Scottish Government, shares his experiences as a social worker in a rural area. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/21390224
info_outline
Climate change and disabled people
11/26/2021
Climate change and disabled people
Cop 26, the global United Nations climate change conference took place this month in Glasgow. What is the impact of the climate emergency on disabled people and how do they have their voices heard? Michael McEwan speaks with Susie Fitton, Policy Officer at Inclusion Scotland about their involvement at Cop 26, the impacts of climate change on disabled people, the challenges, and what needs to happen to make sure disabled people are included as decision makers. . Resources - Inclusion Scotland report. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/21284420
info_outline
Doing public service management differently
11/22/2021
Doing public service management differently
The , and are together delivering events in November and December 2021 that will explore how a Human Learning Systems approach can support people and organisations to commission health and social care differently. In this episode, Toby Lowe, Visiting Professor of Public Management at the Centre for Public Impact; and Diana Hekerem, Head of Transformational Redesign Support at Healthcare Improvement Scotland tell us about the Human Learning Systems approach. They explain what it is, how it works and talk through some practical examples. . Resources (ebook) Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/21241643
info_outline
Adapting social work for a changing planet
11/11/2021
Adapting social work for a changing planet
Cop 26, the global United Nations climate change conference is underway in Glasgow, Each country will bring their plans for reducing emissions and combatting climate change. As a people, community and society focused profession, is there a role for social work in the environment and climate change agenda? And if so, what is it? Dr Heather Lynch, MSc (Social Work) Programme Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University believes so. In this episode, she interviews Sian McKinnon, a social worker and climate activist; TzeYeng Ng, a recently qualified social worker; and Professor Susan Kemp who provides insight from an international perspective. . Resources IPCC, Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/21129515
info_outline
Recovery Conversation Cafés
10/11/2021
Recovery Conversation Cafés
The Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP, officially launched a recovery conversation cafe toolkit for organisations and services. Developed by the Scottish Recovery Network, provides a guide and resources to help people engage in meaningful discussions about what is important to them and their communities. We spoke to Ann Jones, Manager of the about the cafes - what they are, how they work and what they achieve. Contact Ann at: . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/20739179
info_outline
Human Rights Town
09/21/2021
Human Rights Town
The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has , to help people with learning disabilities understand their human rights. The development of the app has been led by a group of people with learning disabilities who have been working with SCLD. It invites users to travel around a virtual ‘Human Rights Town’ where they encounter different scenarios at each location, such as using public transport or working at the supermarket. Michael McEwan speaks to Oonagh Brown, Human Rights Adviser at SCLD and Fiona Dawson, a member of the app development team. Download the app on or . . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/20546201
info_outline
Lifelong Links
09/08/2021
Lifelong Links
is a project led by Family Rights Group and delivered by local authorities. It supports children and young people in care to connect with and develop relationships with family members, and other people who care about the young person, so they can become part of a lasting support network. Anne Begbie, Coordinator of the Lifelong Links programme at Edinburgh City Council, tells us about their Lifelong Links service - the set-up, aims and achievements. We also speak to Megan Tait, a social worker involved in the service. . Further resources to Lifelong Links. What Lifelong Links meant to me: . . - a Scotland wide partnership aimed at improving and changing legislation, policy and practice. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/20394356
info_outline
Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities
08/17/2021
Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities
The research project – – is a UK wide study which has been exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with learning disabilities. In Scotland, the study is led by the University of Glasgow, with the support of the . Michael McEwan speaks to Research Associate, Roseann Maguire at the University of Glasgow and research participant, Sandy Stark, about the findings of the study. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/20157305
info_outline
Careers in social services: the role of Disclosure Scotland
07/22/2021
Careers in social services: the role of Disclosure Scotland
In this episode we speak to Andrew Morrall, Customer Engagement Manager at Disclosure Scotland, about the organisation’s safeguarding role and the different levels of disclosure used across social services, including PVG scheme membership. We discuss why many social service workers will need to join the PVG scheme and Andrew provides advice to individuals about this, including for those concerned about previous convictions or other contact with criminal justice services. He speaks of the importance of employers not viewing convictions in isolation, but instead looking at the whole person and their current circumstance This will be interesting to individuals, employment support workers and employers who want to know more about disclosures, including PVG scheme membership. Topics: 1. Different levels of disclosure and eligibility for each, including PVG scheme membership for individuals doing regulated work. 2. What PVG scheme membership costs, how long it takes to get a certificate and what information will appear on this. 3. Why some individuals may be more likely to have had contact with criminal justice services as a result of their life history and personal circumstances, and what they can do if concerned about information appearing on a certificate. 4. Why employers should look at the whole person and their current circumstances, and not just a conviction in isolation. Resources is a guide to evaluating the meaning of someone’s criminal record to a job or opportunity they’ve applied for. It’s also for people with convictions to help them make positive applications for employment. Professionals supporting people with convictions in seeking employment or other opportunities may also find it helpful. A range of information about disclosure and criminal record checks is available on the . is a guide for employers published by the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Social Services Council. It emphasises values-based recruitment and details the processes which employers use to make sure they do not hire unsuitable people to work in care services with children or protected adults. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19868093
info_outline
Careers in social services: opportunities and employability
07/15/2021
Careers in social services: opportunities and employability
The social services sector is growing and this means there are opportunities for people looking for a new career, whether that’s people changing jobs or people who are just starting out. So what are these opportunities, and what role can employment support workers have in helping this important workforce to grow sustainably? We speak to Kerry Cannon, Learning and Development Adviser at the Scottish Social Services Council and Susie Ferguson, Partnership Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions about current recruitment opportunities and the important role employability organisations can have in supporting these. This will be interesting to people working in employment support, such as work coaches and key workers; and employers and those with an interest in social services workforce planning. Topics: Information about the life changing work available in social services, including childcare, social care and social work. Information to support workforce planning including types of contract, salary, typical hours, reasons for vacancies and opportunities for flexible pathways. The role that work coaches and employability key workers can have in supporting social service employers with sustainable recruitment. Resources . about the social service workforce. Learn more about Follow the stories of employers and social service organisations at #LifeChangingWork . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19809473
info_outline
Care Opinion
06/29/2021
Care Opinion
is a social enterprise which gives citizens a platform to air their views and opinions on health and care services. It aims to make care services better for everyone. Fraser Gilmore, Head of Scotland at Care Opinion tells us more about its aims and how it works. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19627823
info_outline
The relationship between social work and Gypsy/Traveller communities
06/16/2021
The relationship between social work and Gypsy/Traveller communities
What is the historical understanding of Gypsy/Travellers and what has the relationship been between social work and Gypsy Traveller communities? In this webinar recording, Annie Bryant, a criminal justice social worker based in Dumfries and Galloway, shares her knowledge gained from personal experiences, being a dual national and the partner of a Traveller. We also hear from Davie Donaldson, a Scottish Traveller, advocate and social justice campaigner. By sharing his lived experience, he supports decision makers at local, national and international level to increase inclusivity of policy and practice. Here he provides useful practice guidance for social workers. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19463612
info_outline
Care Inspectorate: use of digital devices in care homes
06/07/2021
Care Inspectorate: use of digital devices in care homes
is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Yvonne Leathley, Senior Improvement Adviser at the speaks about a project to supply digital devices to care homes to improve connectivity. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19329215
info_outline
Near Me in social services: keeping the QI conversation going
05/31/2021
Near Me in social services: keeping the QI conversation going
is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Paula Quinn, Learning and Development Adviser at SSSC, speaks about keeping the Quality Improvement conversations going for those involved in using Near Me. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19261763
info_outline
Adults with learning disabilities: economic outcomes
05/26/2021
Adults with learning disabilities: economic outcomes
The is undertaking a year-long research project examining the relationship between people with learning disabilities in Scotland and economic outcomes for them and their families. The Institute sees it as an under-researched area in Scottish economics and one that is overlooked in mainstream economic policy discussions. In this episode, Michael McEwan speaks to Rob Watts, Knowledge Exchange Associate at the Institute about the research and what it hopes to achieve. . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/19233230
info_outline
Stay Up Late
05/06/2021
Stay Up Late
Going out to see bands, clubbing, or seeing friends is part of everyday life for lots of people. However, if you have a learning disability you may need support to do this. is a charity that supports people to make this happen. Keith Etherington and William Rae tell Michael McEwan about the work of Stay Up Late and their plans for this year's . . Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/18987119
info_outline
Recognition Matters: family group conferencing
04/19/2021
Recognition Matters: family group conferencing
When children are really vulnerable to harm social workers have to work even harder to create partnership with families where risk is present. For infants, babies, and very young children, as well as older children who are nonverbal or require constant care as they grow up, ways need to be found to work with risk that does not necessarily involve family separations. Family Group Conferencing is one way of holding risk with the older children and adults in a family and agreeing how that risk will be addressed. Parents and expectant parents need an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do, with the sustained relationship-based support of professionals. In this episode, Dr Mary Mitchell, Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh, and social workers Heather Rush and Nicky Hunter from the City of Edinburgh Council, speak about the practice of Family Group Conferencing and how it can make a difference to families. This forms part of a child protection and welfare project titled which bring together knowledge from different pieces of research to strengthen practice and improve the experiences of families. . Resources - a film of one woman's experience of family group conferencing. All Recognition Matters Critchely A and Mitchell M (2020) . The British Journal of Social Work. Mitchell M (2020) . The British Journal of Social Work. Mitchell M and Ali S (2020) . Social Work 20-21 magazine. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.
/episode/index/show/irissfm/id/18774716