Human Rights & Social Work Practice On the Sofa w' Nellie Supports ft. Sam Baron(Interim CEO, BASW)

In this episode of Nellie on the Sofa, Ben sits down with Sam Baron from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to practise social work in 2026 and what needs to change. We discuss why rights-based practice matters more than ever, the pressures social workers face (workload, burnout and caseload allocation), and what needs to change to support safe, ethical, evidence-informed practice. The conversation also explores workplace discrimination and racism, the value of CPD and peer learning, how social work can rebuild trust through community-based practice, and how BASW is responding to emerging issues such as AI. In this recording we cover: 1. Why human rights remain central to social work and what a rights-based approach looks like in practice 2. Workplace realities: workload, burnout, and the lack of national caseload allocation standards 3. Findings on bullying, harassment and racism in the profession and why this often originates in workplaces 4. Community-based and relational practice (“walking the patch”) as a preventive approach that reduces risk 5. CPD and professional development: making learning routine even when time is pressured 6. Professional identity, status and public perception: making good practice visible Whether you're a social worker, team manager, or work alongside social care professionals, this one's worth your time. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of social work, law, and professional practice. www.nelliesupports.com