Welcome to Social Care
Claim This Podcastby Michael Butcher
Podcast Overview
<p>“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.</p><p> </p><p>Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. </p><p> </p><p>Each episode features open interviews with sector experts and thought leaders, signposting to additional resources, with honest conversations aimed at demystifying the complex, complicated and often confusing sector.</p><p> </p><p>Whether you’re just starting to explore the sector or have been involved in the sector for years, tune in and stay subscribed for detailed analysis and expert-led guidance. Welcome to Social Care!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/28/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Welcome to Social Care
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 26, 2026
Supporting Social Care, Not Fixing It
<p>This week, Michael sits down with Sophie Chester-Glyn, Director of CoProduce Care, to explore one of the biggest misconceptions in social care: the idea that the sector is “broken.”</p><br><p>Drawing on decades of experience in social care, Sophie shares why great care is about far more than services and funding. It’s about community, independence, dignity and ensuring that people remain at the centre of every decision made about their lives.</p><br><p>Michael and Sophie also explore:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Why people receiving care must be empowered to speak up and have their needs heard.</li><li>The vital role families, neighbours, local businesses and communities play in supporting vulnerable people.</li><li>Why social care may not need “fixing” as much as the systems around it need reform.</li><li>How perceptions of mental health and care have changed over the last 40 years, and where stigma still exists today.</li><li>The increasing complexity of care needs and the growing pressures Providers face.</li><li>The challenges families experience when a loved one transitions into care.</li><li>How Providers balance independence, safeguarding, family relationships and quality of life.</li><li>The importance of meaningful activity, connection and purpose in helping people live longer, healthier lives.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about why building caring communities may be just as important as funding services.</p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p>Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn 👇</p><br><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">michaelzbutcher</a></p><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiechesterglyn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sophiechesterglyn</a></p><br><p>#socialcare #carehomes #healthandsocialcare #communitycare #socialcareuk #careproviders #caresector</p><br><p>“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.</p><p> </p><p>Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. Connect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Butcher on LinkedIn</a> and join the conversation. </p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 12, 2026
Care Inside the M25
<p>In this episode, Michael and Theodore Powell, CEO of Springdene Nursing & Care Homes, unpack the realities of residential care within London’s M25 and why Social Care needs a complete cultural rethink, not just more funding.</p><br><p>Together, they look at:</p><ul><li>Why care homes can offer something profoundly different to care at home, particularly in terms of social connection, safety and quality of life.</li><li>The emotional and financial stress families face when making urgent care decisions, often with little understanding of funding systems.</li><li>How London’s housing market, staffing shortages and cost of living crisis create unique pressures for Providers.</li><li>The widening gap between local authority funding rates and the real cost of delivering high-quality, person-centered care.</li><li>Why international care staff remain vital to the Sector, and the cultural values that make great caring environments possible.</li><li>How technology and AI are adding more administrative burden to care homes instead of giving staff more time with residents.</li><li>Why the disconnect between the NHS, local authorities and social care providers leaves vulnerable people stuck in hospital beds.</li><li>The long-term cultural changes needed to rebuild Social Care.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode is a deeply thoughtful conversation about the future of Social Care, the pressures Providers face, and the human stories that continue to make the Sector rewarding.</p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p>Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn 👇</p><br><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">michaelzbutcher</a></p><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-powell-365571178/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theodore-powell-365571178</a></p><br><p>#socialcare #carehomesuk #healthandsocialcare #carehomes #socialcarecrisis #careproviders</p><br><p><br></p><p>“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.</p><p> </p><p>Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. Connect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Butcher on LinkedIn</a> and join the conversation. </p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 5, 2026
How Good Governance Leads To Great Care
<p>In this episode, Michael and Sue Sheath, former Director of Regulation and Quality Improvement at Barchester Healthcare, explore the emotional realities of Social Care, the pressures Providers face, and what quality care truly looks like behind the scenes.</p><br><p>They unpack:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Why moving into care is such an emotional decision for families, and why honesty, trust and communication matter from the very beginning.</li><li>How governance and compliance should support person-centered care, rather than become a “tick-box exercise.”</li><li>What families should look, listen to and feel for when visiting a care home for the first time.</li><li>How large Providers maintain quality and consistency across hundreds of services.</li><li>Why care home managers are under more pressure than ever.</li><li>The challenge of attracting and retaining the right people, and why compassion can’t simply be trained.</li><li>Whether the current relationship between the NHS and Social Care is fit for purpose, and what reform could look like.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode offers a thoughtful look at the realities of delivering high-quality care at scale, while never losing sight of the people at the heart of the sector.</p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p>Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn 👇</p><br><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">michaelzbutcher</a></p><p>🔗 / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-sheath-0380892b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sue-sheath-0380892b</a></p><br><p>#socialcare #carehomesuk #healthandsocialcare #carehomes</p><p>“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.</p><p> </p><p>Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. Connect with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzbutcher/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Butcher on LinkedIn</a> and join the conversation. </p><br><p>If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
12 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Welcome to Social Care
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Welcome to Social Care?
<p>“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.</p><p> </p><p>Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. </p><p> </p><p>Each episode features open interviews with sector experts and thought leaders, signposting to additional resources, with honest conversations aimed at demystifying the complex, complicated and often confusing sector.</p><p> </p><p>Whether you’re just starting to explore the sector or have been involved in the sector for years, tune in and stay subscribed for detailed analysis and expert-led guidance. Welcome to Social Care!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.