Community Care would like to wish everyone in the profession a very happy World Social Work Day 2025!

While we know that it’s in the nature of social workers not to blow their own trumpets, we salute each and every one of you for the critical work that you do, and hope you feel today is a day when  you – and the profession across the globe – are truly celebrated.

To mark the day, we held a free webinar on restorative and relational practice, delivered by Paul Nixon, formerly New Zealand’s chief social worker.

An expert on family group conferences (FGCs), he explored how these approaches bring families and communities into decision making about children and adults, to create lasting change.

Here’s some of the feedback from practitioners who attended the webinar:

“I enjoyed hearing about the use of FGCs in other countries and how this is used positively.”

“Lots of really excellent informed knowledge provided which I will take forward in my learning journey.”

“I liked the way Paul showed compassion for the subject matter and explained information/theories thoroughly.”

A recording of the webinar is now available for Community Care Inform subscribers on the Inform Adults and Inform Children’s sites.

To mark World Social Work Day 2025, Community Care is offering free learning to social care practitioners on relational and restorative practice.

Consultant social worker Paul Nixon – formerly New Zealand’s chief social worker – will explore how these approaches bring families and communities into decision making about children and adults, to create lasting change, in a one-hour webinar.

Paul Nixon

Paul, who worked as a social worker and leader in England for 20 years before taking up his post in New Zealand, is an expert on family group conferences (FGCs), which empower family networks to make decisions where there are safeguarding concerns in relation to children or adults.

His presentation will combine theory, evidence, storytelling and practical tips to explore how practitioners can move power and responsibility back to families and communities, building on cultural strengths and relationships.

It will also look at how FGCs can be used innovatively, at different stages of safeguarding concerns with children, families and adults.

The free webinar takes place from 12noon – 1pm on 18 March 2025, this year’s World Social Work Day.

Book your place now.

Community Care Inform subscribers will have access to the recorded version of the webinar, plus a written transcript and additional resources mapped to the theme of this year’s World Social Work Day – strengthening intergenerational solidarity for enduring wellbeing.