This activity is designed to help you reflect on how to use Hot Topics and person-centred language when talking about and critiquing practices. It will bring together what you’ve learned about identity, systems understanding, and the importance of meaningful, respectful dialogue. This activity is best completed in pairs, or in a group to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas.

Step 1: Start with Self-Reflection

Take a moment to think about your own approach to discussing practice:

How do you currently talk about the people you work with?

• Are you using language that focuses on strengths and avoids labels?
• Have you ever unintentionally used words or phrases that could be stigmatising? 

How do you approach critiquing practice with others? 

• Are you comfortable addressing blind spots or biases in a constructive way?
• Do you encourage open conversations where everyone feels heard?

Write down one thing you think you do well and one area you’d like to improve when it comes to engaging in dialogue about practice.

Step 2: Practice with a Scenario

Below is a scenario to help you reflect on how you’d use person-centred language and engage in dialogue about practice.

Scenario:
Your team is discussing a young person, Sophie, who has recently transitioned out of care. During the meeting, a colleague refers to her as "a care leaver who’s struggling to find her footing." They also mention she "failed to hold down her first job."

Reflection Questions:

• How could you reframe Sophie’s situation using person-centred language that focuses on her strengths and potential?
• How would you bring this up with your colleague in a way that critiques their language constructively without shutting down the conversation?

Write down your response as if you were speaking to your colleague.

Step 3: Hot Topics in Action

Choose one of the Hot Topics prompts from the guide, such as:

• “How do we make sure doing the right thing is part of following the rules?”

With a partner or on your own, reflect on:

1. How this question applies to your current practice.
2. What changes you or your team could make to align actions with values.
3. How person-centred language could help when talking about these changes.

Step 4: Commit to Action

Reflecting on everything you’ve considered:

• What’s one thing you’ll start doing to ensure your conversations about practice are constructive and respectful?
• How can you encourage your team to use person-centred language and hot topics to improve practice?

Write down one action you’ll commit to.