The programme for The Social Work Show, incorporating the COMPASS Jobs Fair , is now live — featuring more than 30 seminars and workshops delivered by leading voices from across the profession, offering a full day of high-quality CPD.
Free to attend for all pre-registered visitors, the event welcomes social workers and allied professionals from every field of practice. With multiple seminar rooms running throughout the day, The Social Work Show combines practical learning, research insight, leadership debate and career development — alongside the COMPASS Jobs Fair, giving delegates the opportunity to connect directly with employers and explore new roles.
This year’s programme reflects the realities and future direction of practice, with sessions relevant to professionals at every stage of their career — from students and NQSWs to senior leaders and heads of service — and across children’s services, adult social care and mental health.
Highlights include a live panel recording exploring social work reforms and integrated AI, hosted by Matt Clayton and Hannah Bedford, featuring Dr Neil Thompson, Lisa Harris, Mike Hayward and Farai Kanengoni. Delegates can also hear from Emma Lightfoot and Staffordshire’s Voice Project on co-production with young people; Katherine Hatton and Luke Morrisson Williams on bridging the gap between social work and homelessness; and Kate Beesley on building trauma-informed systems and identifying hidden risk.
The programme also includes sessions on generative AI and safeguarding with Dr Peter Buzzi; parental alienation research with Nushra Mansuri; engaging fathers in child protection with Parallel Lives CIC; neurodiversity in practice with Lauren Crickmar; and race and adultification with Delroy Madden.
Career development and workforce wellbeing feature strongly, with contributions from Sophie Gilbert and ASYE social workers from Birmingham Children’s Trust; Dr Carol Stewart on meeting Social Work England CPD requirements; Joe Z Mairura on independent social work and conscious leadership; Vicki Shevlin on professional safety, self-care and social media; and Dr Neil Thompson on stress and conflict management.
Legal literacy and complex decision-making are also covered, with Sandra Wilkinson exploring the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty safeguards, and Dennis Egenamba examining the role of youth justice in social work education. Dr Robert Murphy will introduce a new psychosocial model of understanding madness in practice and theory.
Whether you are looking to deepen your practice knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, reflect on emerging policy and technology, or explore new career opportunities, The Social Work Show, incorporating the COMPASS Jobs Fair, offers a comprehensive and forward-looking programme designed to inform, challenge and inspire.
