Explore every episode of the podcast Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin
Dive into the complete episode list for Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Conversations from Conferences: Finding Hope in the Work
04 Nov 2025
01:04:11
I recently attending 2 conferences that didn't feel like conferences at all. The Contextual Safeguarding Conference in Durham and the Trauma Informed Consultancy Services Conference in Manchester (mini celebration for events that take place outside of London!).
I wanted to share all my reflections with you, messy, unedited, reading from my notes and very clearly still on a high from being with likeminded people, learning and very much seeing hope in action.
If you wanted to go to the conferences and couldn't, listen to hear the highlights, and if you are feeling dejected or disillusioned, listen and borrow some hope from me.
Lloyd, J., & Owens, R. (2025). Doing Real-Life Change in Children’s Social Care: Embedded Research in Practice. Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447372400
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
The Cupboard That Changed My Career: Why Good Training Starts With How You Learn
20 Oct 2025
00:23:59
This might be the most important episode I’ve ever shared.
It’s about a cupboard — but really, it’s about care, action, and what it means to truly learn as a social worker.
I tell the story of a messy cupboard in my first job, how clearing it shaped the way I’ve approached learning ever since, and why I believe training isn’t something you can just “do” to people.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes good social work training work, or why I care so deeply about The Social Work Collective Academy, this episode explains everything.
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Your first allocated family: How to Stay Grounded, Confident, and Clear
23 Jul 2025
00:26:20
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
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Reflections: On working with 'difficult' people
15 Aug 2023
00:09:25
In this bitesize episode I invite you to reflect with me:
-what happens when we label people as 'difficult?' -Are there times when you have been labelled as 'difficult?' -How can we move forward from this and find solutions?
If you enjoyed this style of episode please let me know - vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Asking for feedback as a newly qualified social worker
13 Jul 2023
00:17:08
If you would rather watch this via Instagram live then head here.
In this episode I talk about:
➡️seeking feedback as a student or newly qualified social worker
➡️the challenges in asking for feedback
➡️ways to overcome those challenges and build confidence asking for feedback
If you want to share feedback or get in touch about this podcast or training, you can email me vicki@socialworksorted.com
If you are part of a university or organisation interested in training and consultancy enquiries head here
If you are a student or ASYE interested in developing your assessment skills for placement and practice then there are still places left for my final of the summer series of masterclasses; Join here
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
I would love to hear from you and listen to your reflections from this episode.
If you are interested in training for your local authority or organisation, including CPD Accredited training 'Assessment Skills for Newly Qualified Social Workers' or interested in Introduction to Assessment: A guide for New Social Workers ,you can contact me on:
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Assessment Skills for New Social Workers: new training
05 Jul 2023
00:18:14
An outline of my new CPD accredited training and a brief introduction to me, and Social Work Sorted, for anyone new to this podcast.
To get in touch or request a brochure for this new training contact vicki@socialworksorted.com or complete the form at the bottom of this webpage https://www.socialworksorted.com/training
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Using social media as a social worker: My experience
20 Jun 2023
00:20:10
In this episode, I reflect on my experiences as a social worker using social media.
-the potential and complications of being a social worker on a public-facing platform
-the importance of knowing your purpose
-the significance of building connections
-online safety, considering confidentiality and professional boundaries.
The episode also touches on the power of social media in bringing visibility to the social work profession as well as the value of time and quality in building relationships and providing valuable content in the online space.
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Enhancing home visits: 5 steps for planning
15 Jun 2023
00:20:52
In this episode, I wanted to share a recent instagram live session I hosted on home visits for social workers. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, I believe these insights will help you approach home visits with confidence and make the most out of your practice. Join me as we explore important aspects such as planning, communication, observation, and support during home visits.
I talk about: Time Management and Preparation
Allocating enough time for visits and considering transportation and parking logistics.
The importance of sharing visit details with a trusted contact for safety and accountability.
Streamlining the items you bring to minimize distractions and ensure professionalism.
Balancing the need for necessary tools like note-taking materials with avoiding excessive baggage
Recognizing when additional support or company during visits can boost confidence.
Leveraging co-workers, supervisors, or other professionals to enhance safety and provide reassurance.
Reflecting on personal well-being and emotions to ensure effective engagement.
This Home Visit Masterclass provides you with the necessary skills to feel prepared and ready to make a plan for a successful home visit. Learn how to stay flexible and deal with the unexpected while building your confidence in direct work and observation. This comprehensive online training includes links to theory, PCF and a full reading list. Take your practice to the next level with this Home Visit Masterclass.
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Social work and media with Wayne Reid
08 Jun 2023
00:37:17
In this episode I talk to Wayne about; -his journey to social work -his work with BASW including his role as anti-racism lead -Social work in the media -Changes in social work learning and sharing information
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Assessment Skills for Newly Qualified Social Workers: Where to Start and What to Know
18 Jul 2025
00:27:25
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.
In this episode we talk about: -Martin's career journey -Perceptions of research in practice -the value of understanding research in practice -how social workers can connect with research
In this episode I talk about social work students student bursary campaign. You can find out more on the BASW website here.
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Values, goal setting and well-being for New Social Workers
18 Apr 2023
00:13:48
In this episode I invite you to reflect on any goals you set in January. I talk about -why goals are not a gimmick -why self care matters -how you can pause to reflect on the habits you build as a new social worker
If you are a student social worker applying for jobs, you can sign up here for free email support to get you started with applications, standing out in your personal statement and getting the job you want!
Take a look at my video training Social Work Interview Skills for a higher level of support that you can access as and when you need it.
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
How to feel Ready... Even when you're not
04 Jul 2025
00:37:40
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
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Challenges of working in multi disciplinary teams with Nana and Rob @thesocialworkerandthementor Podcast
08 Feb 2023
00:53:58
In this episode I talk to Rob and Nana about their podcast, why it works, the challenges they both face in their professions and their advice for new social workers.
38.00 minutes in: Nana discusses an experience where he was threatened with a knife during a home visit. There is no graphic content in the episode and no further information shared.
Listen and watch The Social Worker and The Mentor podcast here:
As a woman racialised as white, I recognise it is problematic for me to recommend anti racism training for local authorities without addressing some nuance around this.
It is important to note that I do not believe anti-racism training is an exclusive 'answer' to racism in any way. It cannot be a tick box exercise and anti racism has to be completely embedded within an organisation, led by people who are part of the global majority.
I make the suggestion of requesting anti racism training in this podcast, because I am aware that many local authorities and organisations do not offer this as a starting point. Lack of clear anti racism training and support perpetuates harm caused by racism. I say this with the acknowledgement that I have caused harm as a white social worker because of racism and lack of anti racism training and education.
I am open to conversations and learning and unlearning around this so please get in touch if you want to.
If you are emailing your MP you can reference relevant campaigns:
We cover: -Ciara's career path and journey -Social work attitudes towards domestic abuse -Challenges of working with perpetrators in practice -Resources for new social workers to build knowledge
This is just one conversation on what is a huge topic, and if you work in this area and want to share your knowledge with new social workers through a podcast conversation - please get in touch!
ASPIRE is a Social Work Sorted series produced on behalf of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Teaching Partnership.
In this episode I talk to Jenny, a senior practitioner working in adults services.
We talk about her experience as a senior practitioner, the difference in ‘knowing’ and ‘showing’ (Millers Pyramid) and advice for social workers considering moving into a senior practitioner role.
A huge thank you to Jenny for giving up her time to contribute to this series.
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
How your ASYE prepares you to Aspire for more
11 Jan 2023
00:09:21
An introductory episode to talk you through a project I've been working on.
ASPIRE is a Social Work Sorted series produced on behalf of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Teaching Partnership.
The first instalment of the ASPIRE series is a focus on the Aspiring Senior Practitioner Programme
In this episode I talk about how this project is relevant to YOU, new social workers, and why it's ok to start thinking about your future career development, skills and progress.
There are so many incredible independent social work podcasts and I couldn't reach out to everyone but as a listener I am grateful to everyone who takes time outside of work to produce podcasts for social workers to support social work 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
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
New Social Workers and career progression
14 Dec 2022
00:11:52
In this episode I talk about
-why new social workers need to think about career progression -redefining 'progress' in social work -the barriers to you thinking about career progression in social work
If you are interested in working with me 1-1, as part of a group programme or you are an organisation interested in training and consultancy, get in touch: Get in Touch | SOCIAL WORK SORTED
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
From Social Work to Social Work Sorted -About me
08 Dec 2022
00:19:34
Its been nearly 2 years since Social Work Sorted was founded.
As Social Work Sorted: The Podcast grows and I move into Training & Consultancy, I wanted to reintroduce myself and share an insight into my social work journey, why I started Social Work Sorted and why I love working with New Social Workers.
A huge Thank You to everyone who has listened, shared, rated or reviewed.
I really appreciate your support and kind words.
Vicki
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Climate Crisis and Green Social Work with Professor Lena Dominelli
08 Nov 2022
00:45:45
This is a conversation I will always remember. I am very grateful to Professor Lena Dominelli for taking the time to speak to me. In this episode we discuss: -Lena's social work and academic career -Green social work and what this means -Social work skills and how they transfer to green social work and so much more.
Some of the further reading recommended by Professor Dominelli:
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Social work, stress and the benefit of breath with Miranda and Sam from The Breath Connection
15 Sep 2022
00:44:30
I loved talking all things breath with Sam and Miranda from the North West based The Breath Connection!
In this episode we discuss: -how breath work can aid people in public facing jobs -the physical and emotional benefits of breath work -how anyone can access breath work -the work Sam and Miranda are doing within public services to create change.
To find out more about The Breath Connection follow the links below:
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Starting in Social Work: Week 3. Induction and Shadowing
22 Aug 2022
00:15:07
For anyone starting their assessed and supported year in employment (or even those starting on placement) I am going to guide you through your first 4 weeks in the job.
In this episode I talk about:
The importance of having an induction schedule
Shadowing other professionals
How to use shadowing and joint visits to develop your practice
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Starting in Social Work: Week 2. Chronologies.
16 Aug 2022
00:13:30
For anyone starting their assessed and supported year in employment (or even those starting on placement) I am going to guide you through your first 4 weeks in the job.
In this episode: -The value of a chronology -Building positive habits when recording -Reflecting on the narratives we create
If you are a new social worker and want to build your assessment skills then my next Masterclass is for you. Click the link to get your place now.
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Starting in Social Work; Your First Week in the job
15 Aug 2022
00:16:15
For anyone starting their assessed and supported year in employment (or even those starting on placement) I am going to guide you through your first 4 weeks in the job.
In this episode: -reflecting on your feelings -learning through listening -creating a toolkit -building positive habits
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
Theory and Reflection in Social Work with Siobhan Maclean
27 Jul 2022
00:40:52
It was amazing to talk to Siobhan Maclean about theory and reflection for newly qualified social workers.
Siobhan Maclean is a social worker, practice educator, trainer and writer. She set up Kirwin Maclean Associates Limited, which is now one of the leading independent publishers in the social and health care and social work arena.
In this episode we discuss: -Siobhan's journey in social work -the challenges for new social workers using theory -the connection and disconnection of research and theory -the future for social work theory
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
How to take care of yourself: newly qualified social workers, overwhelm and burnout
20 Jul 2022
00:24:49
As a new social worker, overwhelm can happen very easily.
In this episode I talk through some of the steps I follow when I start to feel stressed at work.
I hope that this act as a reminder for you if you are having a tough day.
This is by no means a replacement for speaking to your manager or supervisor and if your job is impacting your physical and mental health then you need to talk to someone as soon as you can.
Follow @socialworksorted for more advice, guidance and support for Newly Qualified Social Workers.
Lets connect!
To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
What social worker's can learn from Experts by Experience/ with Rebekah Pierre
12 Jul 2022
00:38:43
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
Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.
What does 'direct work' in social work really mean? with Rich Devine
29 Jun 2022
01:00:59
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 always updating twitter with insights on research, I'd recommend having a read of his blog if you haven't already.