Awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace is growing, but too often there’s a gap between good intentions and practical action, and I want to help employers really make a difference. As a neurodivergent Independent Social Worker, I’ve seen firsthand how environments built for neurotypical brains can hold people back – both in my own career and through the disabled and neurodivergent people I support. Creating a neuro-inclusive workplace isn’t just box-ticking. It’s abo

How Small Wins Lead to Positive Outcomes in Social Work As a Social Worker, it’s easy to focus only on the big victories – like a successful move, a court case resolved, or a care package finally agreed... These moments matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. Having ADHD has taught me to value the small wins – the steps that might seem minor from the outside but can make all the difference. And often, it’s those small nudges forward that create the momentum needed for th

When people hear “Independent Social Worker,” they often imagine a faceless professional who writes formal reports and ticks boxes. The reality? It’s so much more complex, nuanced, and deeply human. Busting the Myths of Independent Social Work Independent social work isn’t just about paperwork or assessments. It’s connecting with people, understanding their unique lives, and making sure their voices are heard in decisions that affect them. It’s about balancing empathy with ob

Deciding where someone should live when they lack capacity themselves is one of the most significant Best Interests decisions that can be made. It goes beyond finding a ‘safe’ place for them – it’s ensuring they can thrive, maintain their identity, and access meaningful relationships. Too often, these decisions rely heavily on a snapshot of a person’s life – a single assessment in one setting, limited input from professionals, or assumptions about what’s best based on pract

When a person is unable to make a major decision for themselves – whether about their care, living arrangements, or medical treatment – a Best Interests decision is made on their behalf. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out clear guidance on how these decisions should be approached, ensuring the individual’s rights, wishes, and feelings are at the core. However, in practice, a person’s voice can get lost in a process that often prioritises professional opinions, safeguardi

When it comes to helping people access the right support, Care Act Assessments play a crucial part. A well-conducted assessment does so much more than connect a person with services – it takes a closer look at how they live, what’s important to them, and creates a pathway to a more fulfilled life. As an independent social worker of almost two decades, my role in these assessments is to make sure people are listened to and their individual needs are reflected – because ever

As an independent social worker, I often find myself grappling with imposter syndrome – a feeling of self-doubt despite my experience and accomplishments. It’s something many of us, especially women, struggle with, but rarely talk about openly. We are all imposters I recently had a conversation with a colleague who, despite her impressive LinkedIn posts I’d admired around Court of Protection issues, she admitted she felt self-conscious about publishing her views.

As a social worker of over 18 years, I've had the privilege of working with diverse groups, from people with physical, neurodivergence and/or learning disabilities, to those dealing with mental health challenges. I've seen firsthand the positive impact we can make, but, unfortunately, there’s still a negative public perception of social workers. The British Association of Social Workers’ introduction of the Journalism Award for recognising quality, informed reporting of s