Peter Buturo

BSc (Hons) Social Work

Peter Buturo’s journey to Birmingham City University was tinged with tragedy, but fuelled by resilience. After the untimely death of his mother, he sought to offer support and compassion to those who need it most. Since completing a Social Work degree at BCU, he’s gone on to forge a rewarding path as a children’s social worker, foster carer and bestselling author.

"At the age of 16, while living in Uganda, I lost my mother in a tragic car accident. I returned to the UK alone, grieving and trying to find a new direction. It was during this difficult period that I began reflecting on the kind of difference I wanted to make in the world.

"I chose to study Social Work at BCU so I could begin a career dedicated to supporting children and families. Looking back, it was one of the most important chapters of my life. It provided me with far more than a professional qualification. The course gave me the knowledge, values and critical thinking skills needed to succeed, as well as developing my understanding of safeguarding, child development, ethics and more. 

"While studying, I completed placements in both the voluntary sector and adult social care. Both provided me with valuable hands-on experience of working with individuals, families and professionals in real-world settings. 

"Fast forward to the future and I’ve now spent over 14 years working as a children’s social worker, working across more than 10 local authorities. No two days are ever the same, which is one of the reasons I was attracted to social work. A typical day can include responding to any urgent safeguarding concerns, attending multi-agency meetings, ensuring all decisions are evidence-based, and always making sure that children’s voices remain at the centre of all decision making.

"The biggest challenge has been managing the emotional and professional demands of working in children’s social work. While on one hand it can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be emotionally demanding. Having to make life-changing decisions requires resilience, reflection and a strong support network. 

"Alongside my professional career, I’ve also spent seven years as a foster carer, which has given me a different perspective on caring for children and supporting them within a family environment. 

"I compiled all my knowledge into my first book, Social Work and Beyond, released in 2024. It was written to encourage, support and inspire social workers by sharing practical lessons from my own career. It’s also designed to highlight the many opportunities that exist within and beyond the profession. The book was well received and has become a bestseller. For the next step, I want to build a respected children’s care consultancy that supports organisations, develops professionals, and contributes to improving outcomes for children and young people. 

"Looking back, my career has taught me that social work is a profession built on resilience, compassion and lifelong learning. My advice to anyone considering studying social work is to go into it with an open mind. Be prepared to learn from everyone around you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

"Finally, don’t assume there’s only one career path. A degree in social work opens many doors. The knowledge, value and skills you’ll gain can be used for frontline practice, leadership, research, education or a completely different role."