41: Understanding intersectionality in social work practice

NSPCC Learning Podcast

A child or young person’s identity and lived experience can affect how they engage with professionals and services.
This episode features Jahnine Davis and Nick Marsh, founders of Listen Up, where we explore intersectionality and its application within safeguarding practice. Ineke Houtenbos, a senior consultant at the NSPCC, leads the discussion around:

• what intersectionality is
• why intersectional thinking is important in safeguarding
• the impact of not taking an intersectional approach when working with children and young people
• the challenges in capturing intersectional experiences during assessments
• how you can apply intersectional understanding to your work and develop your social care practice.

Read the podcast transcript on the NSPCC Learning website.
💬 About the speakers

Jahnine Davis, a PhD researcher, has over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector and is recognised nationally as a leader in the field of intersectionality, adultification and safeguarding Black children and young people.
Ineke Houtenbos is an experienced child protection professional with over 21 years’ experience and has provided training and consultancy on anti-racism awareness and anti-racist practice. She is a Senior Training and Development Consultant for the NSPCC in Northern Ireland.
Nick Marsh is a researcher and social worker with over 20 years’ experience in statutory settings. Nick’s PhD research focuses on child exploitation and social work interventions. Since 2014, Nick’s work has focused on developing strengths-based approaches and turning evidence in to practice.
📚 Related resources

> Learn more about Listen Up

> See all our safeguarding and child protection resources

> Search for more research and resources


Intro/outro music is Lights by Sappheiros