What Does Good Care Look Like? is a podcast exploring what “good care” really means in today’s health and social care system.
Hosted by Amy Lewis, Director of Just Checking, the podcast brings together care professionals, advocates, policymakers, and people with lived experience to have open, honest conversations about care in practice. With over a decade of experience in health and social care, Amy guides each episode with insight, empathy, and a deep understanding of the sector.
Gerard Crofton Martin - Do we really have a social care system?
In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Gerard Crofton-Martin, Interim Chief Executive of SCIE, about the future of social care and the need for meaningful reform.
They explore social care inequalities, the Care Equity Evidence Hub, local government, transformation and the potential for a National Care Service.
A thought-provoking conversation about where social care is now, where it needs to go, and what good care could look like in the future.
10 Sept 2026
Patrick Vernon - Can we build a health and care system that works for everyone?
In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Patrick Vernon about his career tackling inequality, challenging power and working across health, social care, government and communities.
They explore health equity, community-powered commissioning, co-production and the challenge of genuinely integrating health and social care - asking what needs to change for communities to have a greater voice in shaping the services they rely on.
A thought-provoking conversation about institutional structure, power and creating a health and care system that works for everyone.
21 Aug 2026
Melanie Williams - Care Services Should Be About Enabling Someone To Live A Better Life
In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Melanie Williams, Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Organisational Change (DASS) at West Northants Council, and Former ADASS President, about her 30-year career in social care and her passion for social justice, equality and better lives for people.
They explore technology as a tool for participation, supporting working-age adults and transition pathways, safeguarding, links to neighbourhood health and the challenges facing local government - as well as what needs to change to turn ambition into meaningful action.
A thought-provoking conversation about empathy, leadership, technology and the future of care.
17 Aug 2026
Chris Watson - Good Commissioning Creates Good Lives (Not Good Services)
What does it take to create truly person-led care?
In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Chris Watson, Founder of Self-Directed Futures, about why choice, control and self-directed support remain central to improving adult social care.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across commissioning and social care, Chris shares his perspective on the challenges of traditional care models, the importance of good commissioning, and how organisations can better support people to live the lives they choose.
If you're interested in understanding the commissioning aspirations that enable people to lead their own support, this episode is for you.
19 Feb 2026
Shirley Way | Retention is the Best Form of Recruitment
Shirley Way, Midlands Head of Region at Skills for Care, joins us to highlight that good care starts with how we treat the people delivering it.This episode dissects:🔸 How values-based recruitment shapes culture🔸 Why development doesn’t always mean promotion🔸 Tension between professional boundaries and family care🔸 Professionalising social care pathways for the futureFrom children’s services to national workforce strategy, Shirley reflects on the moments, values and leadership lessons that have shaped her career in social care.Retention isn’t a recruitment problem. It’s a leadership one.
00:00 Intro03:20 Shirley's Journey Into Social Care09:08 The Impact of Children's Services12:41 Creating Care Match: A Recruitment Solution15:00 Navigating Family Caregiving17:52 The Importance of Professional Boundaries20:17 Leadership and Management in Social Care23:00 Retention Strategies in Workforce Development26:17 Understanding Value-Based Recruitment28:54 The Importance of Induction31:38 Defining Good Care33:41 Building Resilience and Trust in Care Teams35:35 Self-Care for Caregivers40:16 Recruiting for the Future of Social Care
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-checking-ltd (https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-checking-ltd)YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0_5GKni-kl9D-Zx-N-6Ab5V1jxX_PJE&si=KGnMYYxQDD_k3qG5 (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0_5GKni-kl9D-Zx-N-6Ab5V1jxX_PJE&si=KGnMYYxQDD_k3qG5)Blog: https://justchecking.co.uk/news/ (https://justchecking.co.uk/news/)
5 Feb 2026
Isaac Samuels OBE: Challenging Labels & the Power of Listening
We’re joined by Isaac Samuels OBE, who shares his lived experience of mental health services and the impact of being given a diagnostic label, alongside his work across social care and co-production.Together, we explore: 🔸What happens when care becomes overly systemised🔸The importance of managing yourself before managing others 🔸What changes when people and trust are placed at the centre of care🔸The power of listeningThis is an honest discussion about care as a human practice, not just a professional one.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustCheckingJC (https://www.youtube.com/@JustCheckingJC)Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48R4GUcKaRnqAm0tV3lWMi?si=972af4d22f1f4cab (https://open.spotify.com/show/48R4GUcKaRnqAm0tV3lWMi?si=972af4d22f1f4cab)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/just-checking-ltd/ (linkedin.com/company/just-checking-ltd/)Blog: https://justchecking.co.uk/news/ (https://justchecking.co.uk/news/)
8 Jan 2026
Charlie Light: The '5 Why's?' That Bring Care Back To The Person
In this episode, Charlie reflects on her unexpected journey through social care, from a 17-year-old kitchen assistant peering through a serving hatch to a specialist now called in when services are struggling. Drawing on her own experience of growing up in children’s services, she talks about the empathy and determination that shaped her approach to care, as well as the impact of a rare, hands-on induction that still guides her work today. She explores why real training is less about ticking boxes and more about building confidence, offering coaching, and staying connected to the human experience at the centre of every crisis. And when the “bat signal” goes up from a failing service, Charlie shares what it takes to step in with honesty, curiosity, and the belief that good care always starts, and ends, with the person.
27 Nov 2025
West Midlands' Deputy Leader: Power With Purpose
In this special episode of 'What Does Good Care Look Like?', Amy sits down with Councillor Sharon Thompson for an open and inspiring conversation about care, community, and systemic change. Sharon reflects on her own experience of teenage homelessness and how it shaped her 11 years in local politics, including her role as Birmingham’s Deputy Leader and the West Midlands’ first female Deputy Mayor.
Together, Amy and Sharon explore what it means to design out homelessness, the importance of bringing lived experience into decision-making, and why brave leadership is essential in today’s pressured public sector. Sharon shares the story behind influencing national legislation on supported housing, leading an 81% reduction in rough sleeping, and championing partnerships that prioritise prevention over crisis.
They also discuss the future of care, how communities can be empowered to shape solutions, and what’s next for Sharon as she steps into a new chapter outside elected office.
6 Nov 2025
Lynsey Way: Quiet Care, Big Outcomes
Lynsey shares her journey from studying psychology to leading innovative support for neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities. She talks about the experiences that shaped her values, the importance of environment and consistency in care, and how truly listening to individuals leads to life-changing outcomes.
From helping people move out of hospital and into fulfilling lives, to creating wellbeing frameworks that empower independence and purpose, Lynsey offers deep insight into what good care really means. She also explores how technology can promote freedom and safety, showing that great support is about respect, curiosity, and helping people live life on their own terms.
23 Oct 2025
Katie Thorn: Designing Digital Care From Lived Experience
In this inspiring conversation, Katie shares her unique journey of literally growing up in care, from her grandparents’ nursing home to leading digital transformation in social care. She talks about how technology, culture change, and human connection come together to define “good care,” and looks ahead to the future of AI, data, and sustainability in the sector. A thoughtful blend of nostalgia, innovation, and hope for the future of care.
2 Oct 2025
Stella Shaw: Why Nurse-Led Care Changes Everything
Stella shares her journey from nursing to founding Stella Care, and what she believes truly defines “good care.” She reflects on the importance of hands-on training, empathy, and communication, and explains how her nurse-led, tech-enabled model is shaping the future of home care. Stella also highlights the growing demand for nursing as people live longer with more complex conditions, and how her team is meeting that challenge through innovation, compassion, and a strong culture of care.
18 Sept 2025
Lewis Fewings: The Right Support Helped Me Support Others
In this episode, Lewis shares his inspiring journey towards greater independence, supported by good care and the right people around him. He talks about learning essential life skills like budgeting, using public transport, volunteering, and taking on leadership roles in disability sports coaching. Lewis also reflects on the importance of supportive staff, confidence-building, and speaking up when things aren’t right. As he looks forward to moving into his own flat and starting paid work, Lewis shows what’s possible when care is person-centred, consistent, and empowering.
4 Sept 2025
Ashleigh Fox: Care Works Best When We Stop Doing It Alone
Ashleigh shares a heartfelt and thought-provoking perspective on reimagining social care. Drawing from decades of experience, she introduces the “bridging support model” and the African philosophy of ubuntu, “I am because we are” to highlight the power of consistency, community, and culture in delivering truly human-centred care. It's a powerful reminder that great care starts from the heart, values relationships, and supports those who support others.
21 Aug 2025
Jake Banbury: Life Saving Moments As A Volunteer
In this episode, Jake shares his journey and insights on good care. From his administrative role at Care Catalyst Group to life-saving moments as a volunteer, Jake discusses how reasonable adjustments help individuals thrive in the workplace. He also talks about his experience speaking at conferences, working with the National Autistic Society, and his involvement with the Oliver McGowan training. Throughout, Jake highlights the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding in care, showing how supporting individuals with autism requires both respect and commitment.
5 Aug 2025
Adam Burley: Blending Education and Support
In this episode of What Does Good Care Look Like?, we speak with Adam, founder of Burley Inclusive, about redefining care through a unique blend of education and support. He shares how his personal experience with dyslexia shaped his approach, the development of the "Gradually Fading Support" framework, and why enabling independence through thoughtful, person-centred care can transform lives.
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