Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin

Vicki Shevlin

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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167 episodes
Updated July 6

Episodes167

Newest first

Sep 22, 2025 · 17 min
Starting in a New Social Work Team: Confidence, Connection & Holding Your Boundaries
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 Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Sep 15, 2025 · 15 min
How to Make the Most of Shadowing in Your ASYE Year
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, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Sep 8, 2025 · 27 min
An Alternative Social Work Induction: Habits, Boundaries and Prep for Your ASYE Year
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 membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Sep 1, 2025 · 13 min
Slow Down: Change Takes Time in Social Work: How technology and unrealistic timescales shape the way we see progress
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 vicki@socialworksorted.com Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Aug 25, 2025 · 38 min
ASYE Preparation: My Must-Read Books, Podcasts, and Resources
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, competence, and calm. 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Aug 15, 2025 · 30 min
5 recent failures that I'm proud to share
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 me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Aug 13, 2025 · 16 min
Inside The Social Work Collective Academy: How It Transforms Your First Year in Practice
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 discover how the Academy can become your go-to resource for real-world skills, confidence, and 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jul 23, 2025 · 25 min
Your first allocated family: How to Stay Grounded, Confident, and Clear
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 inbox How to process the nerves, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm The 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 for it Steps to prepare for your first visit while staying relationship-focused How your emotions impact the people you’re working with (and how to use that power positively) I am sharing a behind the scenes insight to ASYE Core Skills Training and talk about The Social Work Collective Academy—a resource-packed space to support new social workers through every step of their first year. 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jul 18, 2025 · 26 min
Assessment Skills for Newly Qualified Social Workers: Where to Start and What to Know
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 normal The statutory guidance you must know Why local authority policies can be your secret weapon during disagreements The limitations of the 25-year-old assessment triangle—and how to think critically How to avoid “assessment robot” mode and connect meaningfully with families Practical steps to build confidence in planning, assessing, and recording I'm also excited to share upcoming ASYE Core Skills Training, a two-day online course designed to offer a consistent, supportive induction for new social workers—perfect for individuals or local authorities looking to strengthen their training offer. Resources mentioned: Free eBook: Getting Started with Assessments https://www.socialworksorted.com/free-ebook Child and Family Assessment Guide https://www.socialworksorted.com/product-page/childandfamilyassessmentguide ASYE Core Skills Training (24–25 September 2025) https://www.socialworksorted.com/event-details/asye-core-skills-clarity-and-confidence-for-early-practice 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jul 4, 2025 · 36 min
How to feel Ready... Even when you're not
In this episode I talk about this quote by Rebekah Pierre (and do a terrible job of remembering it in the moment) but its important to reference it properly: "Perhaps you saw the screen in front of you as the final destination. It was not; your words, written about but without me, would not remain hidden forever." It's from this article: https://basw.co.uk/articles/open-letter-social-worker-who-wrote-my-case-files Boundaries: https://www.socialworksorted.com/post/about-me-deciding-non-negotiable-boundaries-part-5 Case records: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1926820 Child Protection Processes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZA4ZNLXnEs 12 weeks to Confidence in Practice Available for members of The Collective Learning Hub - Join here ASYE Core Skills Training Book your place Enquire about group booking 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jul 1, 2025 · 13 min
Say what you see (Recording and Written Skill for New Social Workers)
A bitesize learning episode to support you in practice. To book ASYE Core Skills training head here: https://www.socialworksorted.com/event-details/asye-core-skills-clarity-and-confidence-for-early-practice 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jun 18, 2025 · 43 min
Social Work Propaganda I'm not falling for
The instagram trend 'propaganda I'm not falling for' caught my eye and I couldn't help but post a social worker version. In this episode I'm unpicking some of the statements and sharing why I included them. References: https://thestudentsocialworkhub.wordpress.com/2020/07/25/social-workers-as-super-heroes/ 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jun 17, 2025 · 25 min
The Truth About Confidence, Competence, and Calm for New Social Workers
The Truth About Confidence, Competence, and Calm In this episode, I’m talking about the real truth behind three words that are at the heart of The Social Work Collective Academy: Confidence, Competence, and Calm. These aren’t just buzzwords – they’re the foundation for thriving in your first year as a social worker. I’m breaking down why confidence is often misunderstood (especially through a gendered lens), why competence is the key that so many new social workers are missing, and why calm is about regulation – not silence. You’ll hear reflections, practical insights, and a bit of storytelling (yes, there's a Grease reference), plus how these values are built into every aspect of the Academy. Whether you're newly qualified or still studying, this episode will help you rethink what it means to feel ready for practice. 🎧 Tap play and let’s get into it. 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Jun 6, 2025 · 18 min
Creating a culture of feedback in Social Work
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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
May 26, 2025 · 30 min
3 lessons from my first year in Social Work
The waiting list for The Social Work Collective Academy is now open: Join The Collective If you are interested in an organisation licence please email me vicki@socialworksorted.com 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
May 22, 2025 · 22 min
Choosing your personal priorities (and why it's so hard)
I think balance is a myth and if I need to prioritise one thing in my life, then something else will have to come second. I'm ok with that, are you? And if we give ourselves permission to not do it all - can we extend that same level of empathy to the families we work with? Talking about all this in the episode - let me know your thoughts! The Social Work Collective Academy Join The Collective 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Apr 30, 2025 · 19 min
The 3 biggest struggles for newly qualified social workers
I love being in conversation with new social workers, and naturally the topics that come up a lot are the challenges in day to day practice. In this episode I'm sharing 3 of the biggest struggles for new social workers - in the hope that when you are aware of them - you can do something about it! Listen here if you are student, new social worker or someone who works in a supportive role helping social workers to thrive! Sign up to the waiting list for The Social Work Collective Academy: https://www.socialworksorted.com/thecollective 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Apr 21, 2025 · 22 min
What I wish I'd known as a new social worker
This is just 3 of so many 'what I wish I'd known' tips but I get asked this question a lot and obviously it's something I'm always thinking about! If you liked this episode make sure you subscribe and leave a review! Stay in touch The Social Work Collective Academy (Join the waitlist) https://www.socialworksorted.com/thecollective 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Apr 9, 2025 · 18 min
Why dogs should be on genograms: Social Work Assessments and Pets
A personal share about our family pet, as well as encouraging you to reflect on social work, pets, loss, connection and relationships in all forms. If you have a positive story about social work and pets, animal connections or use of therapy animals I encourage you to share it on social media and tag me: Linkedin: Vicki Shevlin Instagram: @vickishevlin_ Facebook : Social Work Sorted Follow up links: https://iavsw.org/ https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p383717-rebecca-stephens/publications https://sussex.figshare.com/articles/presentation/Human_and_Animal_Inclusive_Practice/26152114 https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Apr 6, 2025 · 53 min
SW England fees, AI and practice, changes to the ASYE, and a spring reset - basically a big update
There are lots of changes (as always) happening in social work so I thought I'd share my views on some of them in this chatty episode. If you want to skip my opinions and go straight to how you can have a mini rest this spring, realign your boundaries and look at some genuine self care, head to around 33 minutes. In this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on -SWE proposed increase -AI and social work -New Post Qualifying Standards and changes from the ASYE to the 'Social Work Induction Programme' Links to Consultations - Please take part!! Ends on 28th May - https://consult.education.gov.uk/social-work-workforce-ecf-years-1-2/children-s-social-work-post-qualifying-standards-a/ AI and Social Work https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-views/2025/march/understanding-the-emerging-use-of-ai-in-social-work-practice-and-social-work-education/ BASW AI guidelines https://www.basw.co.uk/about-basw/campaigning-and-influencing/artificial-intelligence-ai-social-work 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 Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: vicki@socialworksorted.com LinkedIn: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_ Instagram.com/socialworksorted Youtube.com/@socialworksorted Facebook.com/socialworksorted https://www.patreon.com/socialworksorted Disclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.