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Social Work Sorted is the leading podcast for Newly Qualified Social Workers in the UK. Hosted and produced by Vicki Shevlin, a social worker, trainer, consultant and founder of The Social Work Collective Academy.
This is a podcast for social workers and safeguarding professionals who care about skills, knowledge and practice. Fresh, relatable and realistic, Vicki brings her social work experience and unique training approach to bitesize episodes. Guest episodes feature critical conversations with experts from the sector.
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In this episode I talk to you about your plans for the year -Are they realistic? -How do you feel when you fail? -How do you connect planning for you, with planning for others? PLUS 3 reminders when setting goals for yourself and others Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com Sign up to my free newsletter Join The Collective Ebook Guides Email: vicki@socialw...
I spoke to Rebekah Pierre; expert by experience, author, journalist, and BASW professional officer about; -her journey into social work -international social work -Challenges for newly qualified social workers -Valuing experts by experience in social work -Language and words that don't fit in social work -How NQSW's can advocate for the children they are working with To follow Rebekah and read more of her work: Twitter @RebekahPierre92 Diary extracts from care journal: https://t.co/cKLs...
In this episode I chat to Rich Devine, an experienced social worker and writer about all things direct work. We talk about; -social work education and ASYE programmes -training and skills for social workers -what direct work can mean to different social workers -whether social workers have the skills to complete direct work -the difference between direct work and therapy -practical examples of using direct work with children and families Rich has a a wealth of knowledge and is ...
In this episode I look at; -what do we mean when we talk about 'court' and social work -how do we view the legal system -how does intersectionality affect our perspective of the legal system -working with legal professionals -staying empathetic when working with families This is just my perspective on where newly qualified social workers should start when you are thinking about court skills. Helpful resources to consider: Wayne Reid⚡️ (@wayne_reid79) / Twitter - Wayne Reid sends a regular...
In this episode I chat to Ann Marie Christian, a Safeguarding expert speaker, trainer and author. From social work, to management, to working internationally training in education and social care, Ann Marie has a wealth of experience to share. In this episode we talk about; -Ann Marie's early experiences as foster sibling -Her journey into social care -Systemic racism and social work -Working in safeguarding in education -International safeguarding Find out more abou...
Grace is the campaign manager for Music with dementia and a music therapist with a passion for sharing the power of music. In this episode we talk about: -The Music for Dementia campaign -Why music matters -the research and evidence base behind using music to improve the quality of life for people with a diagnosis of dementia -how you can embed music into your social work practice -how to include music in your care planning To learn more: Website: About Music for Dementia – Music for D...
This episode looks at how you can use children's books in your direct work session. The episode covers; -representation -topics -approach -using narratives as conversation topics -building confidence in new ways of direct work To join the next masterclass: 'Direct Work and Assessment Skills' Masterclass | SOCIAL WORK SORTED Books mentioned: Ruby's Worry By Tom Percival | Used | 9781408892152 | World of Books (wob.com) Sophie Says Official Shopify The Huge Bag of Worries By Virginia Irons...
In this episode I talk about the Signs of Safety approach, specifically the direct work tool titled '3 houses'. I talk about my experience using this tool and the common mistakes made by newly qualified social workers when they use it. If you work in signs of safety or have an interest in this topic please get in touch, I'm happy to be corrected if I have given any incorrect information, For more advice and guidance follow @socialworksorted on Instagram To get in touch : vicki@socialwork...
Today's episode looks at the final stage of a home visit and covers; What do you step into when you walk into someone's home? Where should you sit? What should you wear? Where should you do direct work? Are you confident in knowing when to leave? The two books I recommend to all Newly Qualified Social Workers are: Direct Work with Vulnerable Children: Playful Activities and Strategies for Communication by Audrey Tait and Helen Wosu AND Direct Work with Family Groups: Simple, Fun ...
The first knock on the door. It's a task unique to social work in the community, having to attend a home visit, knocking on the door and not knowing what is behind it. This episode covers: -being sensitive to the family you are visiting -where should you wear your ID badge? -do you take your shoes off? -how to make a good first impression -how to manage pets If you find listening helpful then please leave a rating and review and subscribe! For more information on my...
Aimed at Newly Qualified Social Workers, students and anyone entering social work after a break, these first few episodes of the podcast are guiding you through a home visit. This episode will take you through planning for a home visit, covering three areas; Logistics Safety Anxiety Listen for helpful reminders to make your life easier when planning home visits. Please rate, review and subscribe! For more advice and for ways to work with me follow @socialwor...
Joining a new social work team can be exciting — and daunting. In this episode, I share practical tips for starting strong: how to remember you bring valuable life and learning experience, how to observe and learn from your team’s culture, and how to protect the work habits and boundaries that will help you thrive for years to come. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com ...
Shadowing is one of the best ways to build your confidence and skills as a new social worker — but only if you approach it the right way. In this episode, I share practical tips on how to ask to shadow without feeling like a nuisance, why being specific gets better results, how to observe actively (not passively), and why it’s essential to speak up if you’re not getting opportunities. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, cou...
We talk a lot about skills in social work inductions — assessments, visits, meetings, communication — but there’s more to thriving in your ASYE than ticking off a skills checklist. In this episode, I share the “alternative induction”: the home-life habits, organisation tips, and support systems that will help you manage stress and set yourself up for success in your first year. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or...
From postmodern art to AI, I’m exploring how technology warps our sense of speed — and why that matters in social work. In this episode, I share how unrealistic timescales harm families, shape new social workers’ expectations, and leave us feeling like we’re “not moving fast enough.” It’s a reminder that learning, change, and growth take time — and that’s okay. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email...
With so many books, podcasts, and resources out there for newly qualified social workers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start. In this episode, I’m sharing the essential recommendations I’d give if we were sitting down over a cuppa — the ones worth your time, money, and headspace in your ASYE year. From anti-racist practice to child protection wisdom, and from “messy” social work memoirs to self-care reads, these are the resources that will actually help you grow in confidence...
After a two-and-a-half week break, I’m back on the podcast with an honest catch-up — and a list of my recent “failures.” From not getting shortlisted for an award to forgetting suncream, I’m sharing how reframing failure has been a game changer for me, both in social work and life. Whether you’re newly qualified or years into practice, this is your reminder that failing means you’ve tried — and that’s something to be proud of. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with m...
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what The Social Work Collective Academy is and how it can help you as a newly qualified social worker (or someone supporting them), this episode is for you. I’m taking you inside the Learning Hub — explaining how it works, the gaps it fills in early career training, and the practical tools that will help you feel both competent and confident from day one. Whether you’re about to start your ASYE, currently on placement, or guiding new social workers, you’ll disc...
This is for you if you are a newly qualified social worker who has just been allocated their first family to work with. That stomach-drop moment? It's completely normal—and I'm here to walk you through it. Inside this episode: What to do immediately after seeing that first family in your inboxHow to process the nerves, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelmThe simple but vital question to ask: what area of the law am I working under?Why clear supervision is essential—and how to confidently ask f...
In this episode I'm offering a practical, compassionate guide to help newly qualified social workers feel more confident about assessment work—especially child and family assessments. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why assessments feel overwhelming—and why that’s totally normalThe statutory guidance you must know Why local authority policies can be your secret weapon during disagreementsThe limitations of the 25-year-old assessment triangle—and how to think criticallyHow to avoid “assess...
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