Words shape decisions, options and outcomes across every part of social care. This session explores The Power of Words across Children’s and Adults’ social care, exploring how the language used in referrals, assessments, records, reviews and professional conversations can influence how people are seen, what support is offered and how confidently services advocate for those they support. It challenges professionals and leaders to move beyond process-driven recording and towards writing and speaking with power, accountability and inclusivity: language that is factual without being cold, honest about risk without becoming risk-led, and strengths-based without losing sight of complexity. Drawing together lived experience, frontline practice and real examples from social care, the session asks delegates to consider what our words affirm, what they unintentionally reinforce, and whether the people reading about themselves in years to come would recognise dignity, curiosity and care in the way their story has been told.