Social Workers and Social Care Professionals
Beyond The Case Files.
As someone who grew up in care, Sam offers a perspective that can't be found in policy, guidance or case notes alone. Through lived experience, practical insight and honest storytelling, these lessons helps social work and social care professionals better understand the child's emotional world, strengthen relationships and make decisions that children will still remember years later.
IRO’s
CAHMS
Social Work Students
Social Workers
Team Managers
Panel Members
Lesson One
Signature Keynote Speech
Sam takes audiences inside the emotional reality of growing up in care, from repeated placement moves and painful goodbyes to the behaviour, fear and mistrust those experiences can leave behind.
Through honest storytelling and practical reflection, he challenges adults to look beyond labels, understand what children may be trying to communicate and recognise the lasting impact of the signals they send every day. This is not simply a story about surviving care. It is a powerful reminder that one patient, curious and emotionally present adult can help change the direction of a child’s life.
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What repeated placement moves, instability and broken relationships can feel like from the child’s perspective
Why behaviour is often communication, not simply defiance or disruption
How fear, shame, hypervigilance and rejection can shape the way a child responds to adults
The small signals that tell a child whether they belong or remain an outsider
Why trust is built through consistency, curiosity and adults who continue to show up
How language, labels and professional decisions can shape a child’s identity
The role of schools, foster carers, social workers and other professionals in creating emotional safety
Practical ways adults can respond with understanding, boundaries and connection
The long-term impact of encouragement, belief and everyday moments
The enormous power adults have to either enable or disable a child’s future
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Understand - A deeper understanding of the care-experienced child.
Respond - More confidence in responding to behaviour and building trust.
Remember - A renewed sense of purpose and the impact adults can have.
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Foster carers
Supervising social workers
Local authorities
Independent fostering agencies
Residential staff
YPA’s
Lesson Two
What The Adults Missed.
Drawing on his own care records and lived experience, Sam explores what that experience can feel like and why the words adults choose matter long after meetings have ended and cases have closed. Through honest storytelling, real examples and practical reflection, this training helps professionals think differently about language, identity and the written legacy they leave behind.
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The emotional impact of reading your own records
How files shape identity and self-perception
Real examples: poorly written notes vs. excellent practice
Language, judgement and bias - the hidden impact
What children and young people wish they could say
Writing for the child, not just the system
Leaving a legacy of hope, not harm
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Greater awareness of the impact your words have.
Improved recording that is accurate, balanced and respectful.
Understanding of how files shape a child's future.
Practical tools and guidance for better note-writing.
Confidence to write in a way that protects and empowers.
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Social workers
Supervising social workers
Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs)
Team managers
Children's services managers
Leaving Care Personal Advisers
Residential care managers and practitioners
Independent fostering agencies
Local authority fostering teams
Family support practitioners
Early Help practitioners
Children's guardians (CAFCASS)
Children's services quality assurance and auditing teams
Social work students
Anyone responsible for recording information about children and young people in statutory or commissioned services
Explore Sam’s Work
Investment
High impact training that creates real change for children in care.
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Simply complete the enquiry form below and Sam will be in touch to discuss your event, audience and preferred format.
Once these are confirmed, a booking form will be sent to your email.
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Sessions can be delivered as a 45-minute keynote, 60-minute training, 90-minute workshop, half-day or full-day programme. Every session can be adapted to suit your audience and event.
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Yes.
Before every booking, Sam takes time to understand your audience, outcomes and any specific themes you'd like to explore, ensuring the session feels relevant rather than generic.
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No.
While audiences often describe the sessions as inspiring, the focus is understanding rather than motivation.
The aim is to leave people thinking differently about children, behaviour and the role adults play in shaping outcomes.
The panel really liked this one. It answers an unspoken concern and sets expectations well.
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Yes.
Sessions can be delivered both online and in person throughout the UK.
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Yes.
Depending on the format, sessions can include dedicated Q&A time, discussion and audience participation.
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Some parts of the session explore difficult experiences.
However, audiences consistently describe the training as hopeful, practical and empowering rather than overwhelming.
The focus is always on what adults can do differently.
Every organisation is different. Final fees depend on audience size, tailoring, location and delivery requirements. A bespoke quotation will always be provided before booking.
Travel may be charged separately.
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A limited number of supported-rate bookings are available for small charities, community organisations and groups facing genuine funding constraints.
Please mention this when enquiring.
Whether you're planning training for your social work team, wider service or organisation, tell me a little about your audience and what you hope the session will achieve.
I'll personally review your enquiry and usually respond within two working days. Together, we'll discuss your objectives, identify the most suitable session and any tailoring required before I provide a clear quotation.