Liverpool football legend is social work material

A retired premier league football manager may not seem the obvious guest for a social work podcast.

But Matt Clayton and Hannah Bedford say their dream interviewee is former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

The Coventry-based duo launched Relational Social Work Podcast last month. It aims to “explore the heart of social work” through “meaningful conversations” with leaders within the sector.

While Klopp may not be a social worker, the Liverpool legend is widely respected for his empathic and emotionally intelligent leadership style.

Matt says: “As well as social workers, we are both Liverpool supporters. Our real aim if we get really successful in this podcast is to get Jürgen Klopp in to speak about relational leadership, because to us he is one of the best examples of a relational leader.”

A key focus of the podcast is the importance of connection and relationships within social work.

Hannah says she hopes to “unpick what relational social work is” through talking with their guests.

“I am really passionate about relational and restorative practice and how we work with children, young people and families,” she says. “Those relationships that are so important within our social work teams.”

Matt adds: “The idea of it is to meet leaders and influential people across the social work profession and people who have influence in the field to really think about what good social work looks like.

“And to challenge us, and everyone listening, to think about how we practice differently and make the difference we want to for children and families.”

Click here to listen to the podcast