# Speaking, Training & Professional Learning | Ben Slater

Source: https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/speaking/

Content updated: 2026-10-20

[Home](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/) / Speaking & learning

Speaking & learning

# Useful ideas. Honest conversations.

I speak about mental capacity, safeguarding, social work and professional standards, drawing on direct practice and my role leading Nellie Supports.

[Discuss a speaking invitation→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/contact/#enquiry) [Download speaker biography→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/assets/ben-slater-speaker-biography.txt)

## Learning grounded in real practice.

My professional learning work includes talks, guest lectures, conference conversations and podcasts. I have lectured on safeguarding, the Care Act and mental health social work, and I host Nellie Con and contribute to Nellie on the Sofa.

I am interested in conversations that connect professional knowledge with the realities of assessment: how we ask questions, support participation and explain what we find.

### Topics to discuss

- Mental capacity assessment and decision-specific reasoning

- Adult safeguarding and best interests

- Independent social work and expert evidence

- Professional standards, supervision and clear report writing

- Building and leading an independent social work practice

Talks and training are agreed around the audience, purpose and available time. For an event or team session, please share your proposed subject, format and date.

For event organisers

### Make the conversation relevant to your audience.

Please include who will attend, what you would like them to take away, the proposed date, location or online format, and whether the session will be recorded.

Availability, scope and any fee are confirmed individually.

[Send a speaking enquiry→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/contact/#enquiry)

Conversations through Nellie

## Different perspectives. Shared understanding.

Explore current programme information and professional learning through Nellie Supports.

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WEBINARS & PODCASTS ↗

### Nellie on the Sofa.

Conversations hosted by Ben and Kerry Slater, bringing together professional expertise and lived experience across health, social care and the law.

Explore Nellie on the Sofa → ](https://www.nelliesupports.com/services/training-and-conferences/nellie-on-the-sofa) [

CONFERENCE & CONNECTION ↗

### Nellie Con.

A space for professional learning and conversation. Visit Nellie Supports for the latest conference information and programme.

Explore Nellie Con → ](https://www.nelliesupports.com/services/training-and-conferences/nellie-convention)

A short introduction

## For your programme, panel or podcast.

Use this short professional biography as a starting point for an event introduction. Please confirm the topic and final event details with the team.

[Download speaker biography → ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/assets/ben-slater-speaker-biography.txt)

### Ben Slater BSc (Hons)

Ben Slater is Founder, Managing Director and Principal Social Worker at Nellie Supports. A First Class Social Work graduate of the University of Lincoln, his experience includes adult social care, mental capacity assessment and independent expert evidence. He developed the Nellie Standard and is developing the Therapeutic Capacity Assessment Framework (TCAF). Ben contributes to professional learning through speaking, training, Nellie Con and Nellie on the Sofa.

Profile & sources

## About this information

Professional profile of [Ben Slater](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/about/) . Website updated 20 October 2026 .

For a current CV or a correction to this profile, [contact Nellie Supports](mailto:nellie@nelliesupports.com?subject=Ben%20Slater%20profile%20enquiry) . Please include the relevant page when suggesting a correction.

### Professional references

- [Nellie on the Sofa](https://www.nelliesupports.com/services/training-and-conferences/nellie-on-the-sofa)

- [Nellie Con](https://www.nelliesupports.com/services/training-and-conferences/nellie-convention)

Further reading on professional background, research and practice.

Further information

[Ben’s professional background→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/about/) [Standards and frameworks→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/standards/) [Professional speaking enquiries→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/contact/#enquiry)

The next conversation

## Good work starts with a clear question.

For a potential instruction, a speaking invitation or a professional conversation, contact me through the Nellie Supports team.

[Get in touch→ ](https://www.ben-slater.co.uk/contact/)