Nana Yabbey-Hagan, The Social Worker Who Represents:

Nana Yabbey-Hagan is a name that is making waves in the social work sector, a profession that requires a delicate balance of passion, resilience, and a commitment to breaking through barriers. As an influential figure, Nana's career journey embodies the drive to uplift, change, and empower, with a focus on diversity, representation, and challenging the status quo in a field that deeply impacts society. His achievements, including his viral podcast, The Social Worker & the Mentor, have made him a beacon for those who seek change within social care and child protection. Nana’s work highlights the importance of having diverse voices and leadership in social work, advocating for systemic reforms that create a better environment for both social workers and the vulnerable communities they serve.

Nana is also a University Lecturer and mentor to Social Work Students and Newly Qualified Social Workers. This role underscores his dedication to shaping the next generation of professionals, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding field. His mentorship ensures that upcoming social workers are not only well-prepared but also inspired to make meaningful contributions to the profession.

Nana's journey into social work was sparked when he was just 16 years old, during his time as a young person's advocate at a local authority. He was struck by the lack of representation of young Black men in the field and, from that moment, set his sights on becoming a leader within the profession. For Nana, breaking through the “glass ceiling” wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about ensuring that the next generation of social workers, particularly those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, could rise to the top as well. His determination to break barriers, coupled with his relentless pursuit of excellence, has seen him achieve great heights in his career, and he is far from finished.

Throughout his career, Nana has earned numerous accolades, cementing his status as a rising leader in the field. His podcast, The Social Worker & the Mentor, was nominated for a prestigious journalism award, a testament to the impact he is having on the sector. He was also nominated for an "Amazing Social Worker" award, which recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to social care. Beyond these accolades, Nana has served on the national executive board of the social work professional association and has had the opportunity to speak at events with key figures, such as the Chief Social Worker for the UK. These milestones reflect the respect he has earned within the sector and his growing influence as a champion for change.

One of the standout moments in Nana’s journey, and a significant milestone in his career, was his podcast, The Social Worker & the Mentor, where he spotlighted important figures in the field, including none other than Isabelle Trowler, the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. This interview marked a pivotal moment in the podcast’s rise and was integral in highlighting the intersection of leadership, policymaking, and the future of social work.

Isabelle Trowler, a trailblazer in social work, has long been an advocate for systemic change and improving social care practices. Her vision and leadership have influenced much of the social work landscape in the UK, particularly in her role as the Chief Social Worker, where she has been at the forefront of driving policies that impact children and families nationwide. Through her work, she’s tackled some of the sector's most pressing issues, including improving the wellbeing of social workers and ensuring that children in care receive the support they need. Her appearance on The Social Worker & the Mentor podcast served as an enlightening conversation that bridged the gap between high-level policy and the ground-level work done by practitioners.

For Nana, having someone like Isabelle on his podcast was more than just a moment of professional recognition; it was an opportunity to elevate the discourse surrounding social work. Her insights brought clarity on how policy, practice, and leadership must intertwine to create sustainable change. She shared the complexities of her role and the ongoing challenges she faces in the public sector, particularly around improving the working conditions of social workers and promoting diversity at senior leadership levels. Their conversation highlighted the need for mentorship, for encouraging more Black and minority ethnic professionals to rise through the ranks, and for creating a nurturing environment where every social worker is empowered to thrive.

This conversation between Nana and Isabelle Trowler resonated deeply within the social work community, particularly for those who, like Nana, are striving to break barriers. It provided invaluable insights into the systemic issues that continue to plague the social work sector. Nana, with his deep understanding of the field and his ability to amplify voices that matter, used his platform not just to learn from experts like Trowler, but also to empower his audience to take action.

The collaboration between Nana and Isabelle, especially given their shared vision for diversity and transformation within social work, cannot be overstated. Trowler’s influence and the leadership she provides are pivotal for the future of social work. Her focus on reshaping the profession and ensuring social workers are not only well-supported but also truly representative of the communities they serve, is closely aligned with Nana’s own goals. Both are visionaries who see the potential for a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective social work system, one that serves children, families, and communities in the most meaningful way possible.

Their conversation on The Social Worker & the Mentor podcast sparked a wider conversation about the future of the sector—how it can better support the professionals who work tirelessly to support society’s most vulnerable, and how social work can evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It’s an important intersection of ideas: leadership, systemic reform, and the personal passion that drives social workers like Nana to continue the work of shaping a better future for all.

By hosting Isabelle Trowler and other notable figures in social work, Nana has been able to cultivate a platform for challenging the status quo, discussing policies, and engaging with the next generation of social work leaders. His podcast isn’t just a space for reflection, but a call to action. It encourages current practitioners, students, and those in the sector to think critically about the future of social care. With guests like Trowler, The Social Worker & the Mentor podcast is becoming a pivotal voice in the sector, one that reflects the changes needed and the conversations that need to be had.

This collaboration is a testament to Nana’s unique ability to bridge the gap between practice and policy, empowering those working on the ground level while simultaneously advocating for systemic changes at the leadership level. Through the podcast and his work as a mentor and social worker, Nana Yabbey-Hagan is proving that the power of social work lies in the intersection of lived experience, leadership, and policy reform—a notion that will undoubtedly continue to guide his path as he works towards the senior leadership roles he aspires to.

Beyond the podcast, Nana’s approach to social work is firmly rooted in a philosophy that supports youth development and advocates for real, tangible change. He has consistently called for more funding and resources for early intervention, youth programs, and family support services. His belief is simple: preventing children from entering the care system through early intervention is key to changing their futures. Nana advocates for more manageable caseloads and better working conditions for social workers, so that they can focus on the hands-on, life-changing work that will help families stay together and flourish.

But Nana’s vision doesn’t stop at the structural changes needed within the field; he also envisions a future where diversity is not just a buzzword, but a reality. His goal is to see more Black and minority ethnic leaders in senior social work roles, which is essential for ensuring the profession truly represents the communities it serves. Nana’s own career trajectory, as he rises to more senior leadership positions, is a testament to the importance of having leaders who understand the complexities of these communities.

Nana’s own career path is a shining example of what can be achieved when determination and purpose align. He has set his sights on becoming a Director of Children’s Services or even a government minister responsible for social care policy. He is committed to ensuring that the policies made at the highest levels serve the communities that need them most. By breaking through into these top positions, Nana hopes to shape the future of social work and drive the reforms that are essential to supporting the next generation of social workers and the children and families who depend on their expertise.

Nana Yabbey-Hagan’s journey should be an inspiration to many in the social work field. His podcast, his leadership, and his tireless advocacy for change continue to inspire and challenge the status quo. Through his work, he has already made an indelible mark on the profession. With the support of leaders like Isabelle Trowler and the growing recognition of the need for systemic reform, Nana’s vision for the future of social work is one that not only celebrates diversity and inclusion but also creates a stronger, more effective support system for children, families, and social workers alike. His commitment to pushing the boundaries, to elevating diverse voices, and to transforming the future of social care is a cause worthy of celebration—and one that we should all rally behind. 

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