Voices of Care

"How do we get people to care? All the rest of it is noise" - Valerie Michie | Voices Of Care

With the Social Care Commission promising answers and funding challenges intensifying, this Voices Of Care episode couldn't be more relevant. Host, Suhail Mirza sits down with Valerie Michie who highlights the imperative to celebrate social care, its workforce and its contribution to the economy and society; and how this narrative can spur policy and political leaders to engage and support the sector even as it faces profound pressure

"I fear that we are getting to the end of resilience" Stephen Burns | Voice of Care

In this compelling episode of the Voices of Care podcast, host Suhail Mirza sits down with Stephen Burns, Executive Director of Care, Inclusion and Communities at Peabody Trust, for an urgent conversation about the future of social housing and care. Stephen delivers a stark warning about the mounting pressures facing housing associations that are threatening their ability to build desperately needed social housing, support residents' care needs, and help ease NHS capacity issues. After what he describes as "difficult 15 years" that have left specialist services "cut to the bone," Stephen makes a direct appeal to the government for immediate action.

"Life is not equal or fair" Professor Kevin Fenton CBE | Voices of Care

In this inspiring episode of Voices of Care, we speak with Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, London’s Public Health Director and Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor of London, about the transformative power of public health as both an art and a science. With decades of experience, Kevin provides crucial insights into how organised societal efforts can tackle health inequalities and create fairer communities for all. He discusses structural racism as a public health issue, shares London's remarkable success stories in HIV prevention and tobacco control and explores the exciting opportunities ahead with increased government investment in prevention over treatment. 

"20% of Londoners are economically inactive!” Andrew Bland | Voices of Care

In this compelling episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza speaks with Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of NHS South East London Integrated Care Board. As NHS satisfaction hits its lowest level since records began in 1983, Bland presents his vision for a Neighbourhood Health Service to transform London's healthcare landscape. Addressing the "perfect storm" of economic inactivity and health inequalities facing Londoners, he outlines a bold community-based approach that could rebuild trust and deliver better outcomes. With 20% of adult Londoners economically inactive and primary care in crisis, Bland shares insights from his 25 years in healthcare and explains how locally relevant, responsive services could address the capital's unique challenges while supporting Wes Streeting's "left shift" in NHS priorities.

“It should be about people, not politics” Dr. Robert Kilgour | Voices of Care

In this eye-opening interview, social care entrepreneur Dr. Robert Kilgour delivers a brutally honest assessment of the UK's social care crisis. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Dr. Kilgour examines alleged double standards in commissioning and the lack of business experience on the Government frontbench, while proposing his innovative "specialist regional model" for the care home sector. This industry legend reveals the dire challenges threatening social care - from unsustainable funding models to the looming wave of care home closures that could devastate communities across Britain.

“The money doesn’t get passed on!” Sam Monaghan | Voices of Care

In this revealing episode of Voices of Care, Sam Monaghan, CEO of MHA (Methodist Homes) shares powerful insights on the distinctive role of spiritual care in supporting older adults, the creative possibilities within a challenging charity landscape, and his urgent vision for social care reform. He also addresses the stark funding reality facing social care organisations and presents his blueprint for meaningful reform that would properly recognise carers' skills and dedication. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of care in Britain and the vital role of charitable organisations in supporting our ageing population.

“If we have less immigration, more of us will have to work!” Damien Green | Voices of Care

In this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, former Deputy Prime Minister and Social Care Foundation Chair Damian Green discusses pressing issues facing social care. Drawing from personal experience and policy expertise, Green addresses funding challenges, workforce recruitment, generational fairness, and the need to focus on prevention rather than the cure. With candid analysis of political failures and practical solutions, Green makes a compelling case for an urgent need for reform

"They've invested millions in the UK" Rebekah Cresswell | Voices of Care

In this engaging episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Priory Group CEO Rebekah Cresswell explores the UK's mental health crisis, innovations in social care, and transforming services for those with autism and learning disabilities. Drawing from both NHS and private sector experience, she shares powerful patient stories, discusses workforce challenges, and explains how collaborative approaches can improve outcomes while reducing costs.

"The NHS is the most diverse employer in Europe" Jenni Douglas-Todd | Voices of Care

In this episode of #VoicesofCare, we're joined by Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair of Dorset Integrated Care System, Jenni shares insights from leading Dorset's Integrated Care Board, addressing winter pressures, and tackling health inequalities. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Jenni emphasises the importance of prevention, community engagement, and technological innovation while championing equality and diversity in the NHS.

"Bank rates are often now higher than agency rates" Neil Carberry | Voices of Care

We welcome, Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), back to Voices of Care. Neil joins host Suhail Mirza for a candid conversation about workforce challenges and practical solutions for the future of healthcare staffing. They explore misconceptions about agency costs, the importance of flexible working options for healthcare professionals, and why blanket restrictions on agency staffing could cost more than they save.