Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin

In this episode I'm joined by my friend and colleague Jo Schofield, Director of Immigration Social Work Services and one of the leading experts on age assessment in the UK. Jo has spent her career working with unaccompanied asylum seeking children, acting as an expert witness in court, and developing the SAFE framework - the Social Work Age Estimation Framework - which is changing the way social workers approach this area of practice.We talk about what age assessment actually is and why it's so politicised, what the SAFE framework does and why it matters, confirmation bias in assessment practice, what courts are actually looking for when they scrutinise an age assessment, and why Jo thinks social workers are overcomplicating something that is at its core just an assessment like any other. We also get into the racism and adultification that underpins so much of how age assessment has historically been approached, and why SAFE offers a framework that is genuinely aligned with social work values.Jo is also writing the first ever book on age assessment. It's a big deal and she is exactly the right person to do it.If you're interested in training for your local authority, organisation or team, I work with a range of organisations across the UK delivering skills-focused safeguarding and social work training. Get in touch at [email protected] or find the link to book a conversation in the show notes.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant with over ten years of experience. The content is intended to support your professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for good quality supervision, statutory guidance, legislation, or your organisation's policies and procedures. Always refer to your local authority guidance and relevant statutory frameworks when making practice decisions. Nothing in this podcast constitutes formal legal or professional advice.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I'm joined by Dez Holmes, Director of Research in Practice for a conversation that went in more directions than either of us planned and was better for it.We talk about Dez's career and what's driven it, the role Research in Practice has played in social work over the years, what it actually means to be evidence informed in practice rather than just claiming to be, and what we owe each other when we share things online. There's a LinkedIn rant, a surfing metaphor, and some of the most useful reflections I've had in a while about what useful actually means and who it's for.If you're interested in training for your local authority, organisation or team, I work with a range of organisations across the UK delivering skills-focused safeguarding and social work training. Get in touch at [email protected] or find the link to book a conversation in the show notes.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant with over ten years of experience. The content is intended to support your professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for good quality supervision, statutory guidance, legislation, or your organisation's policies and procedures. Always refer to your local authority guidance and relevant statutory frameworks when making practice decisions. Nothing in this podcast constitutes formal legal or professional advice.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I'm back after a quieter month, off Instagram, in therapy, having acupuncture, and thinking about a lot of things. This one covers the personal and the professional in equal measure.I'm talking about the naming of social workers in the media following the Preston Davey case, why the way decisions in social work are actually made is so consistently misrepresented, and what I think our response as a profession needs to look like. I'm also getting into the social workers are superheroes narrative and why it worries me, what's been happening with BASW and the International Federation of Social Workers and why I think members should be paying attention, and what starting therapy taught me about the connection between body and mind in a job like ours.It's a long one. But I think it's worth it.If you're interested in training for your local authority, organisation or team, I work with a range of organisations across the UK delivering skills-focused safeguarding and social work training. Get in touch at [email protected] or find the link to book a conversation in the show notes.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant with over ten years of experience. The content is intended to support your professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for good quality supervision, statutory guidance, legislation, or your organisation's policies and procedures. Always refer to your local authority guidance and relevant statutory frameworks when making practice decisions. Nothing in this podcast constitutes formal legal or professional advice.[00:00] Welcome back and what's in this episode[02:00] Families First: what senior leaders are saying vs what social workers are actually experiencing[04:30] Taking care of yourself: what your body is trying to tell you[06:00] Why I said goodbye to my VA to invest in myself instead[08:00] Starting therapy as a social worker and what happened after my first session[12:00] What my acupuncturist said about my cough that stopped me in my tracks[15:00] The mind body connection and why social workers ignore it[18:00] Should social workers be named in the media? The Preston Davey case[21:00] How decisions in social work actually get made and why the media gets it wrong[24:00] What's missing from our profession's response to irresponsible journalism[26:00] Social workers are not superheroes and why that narrative worries me[29:00] The fear of being named in an inquiry for a decision you made ten years ago[31:00] BASW, the International Federation of Social Workers and what I think members should know[35:00] Practice PauseLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I'm joined by Sean Monaghan, founder of Safer Now, whose route into safeguarding practice started in a youth centre in North Birmingham and took him through community violence intervention, hospital-based trauma response, and a recurring question: so what? We talk about what it actually takes to change practice on the ground, why skills training has to outlast the day it's delivered, the commodification of practice frameworks, and why measuring meaning matters more than hitting KPIs. This is one of those conversations that could have gone on for hours.If you're interested in training for your local authority, organisation or team, I work with a range of organisations across the UK delivering skills-focused safeguarding and social work training. Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-monaghan-8a3957ab?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.safernowcyp.com/Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Home visits are the main site where social work happens. And yet they are barely mentioned in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 or any version of Working Together before it.In this episode I'm exploring why this matters, what Harry Ferguson's research tells us about children being invisible on home visits, and why statutory invisibility leads to practice invisibility. I also wonder, in an increasingly virtual world, what happens to the home visit as a skill if we never name it as one?If you are a social worker wanting practical strategies for home visit confidence, The Social Work Collective Academy on Patreon has a full Home Visit Masterclass, a new podcast episode on six things to do before every home visit, and the Practice Pause Library guided audios specifically for before and after visits.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant. Content is intended to support professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for supervision, statutory guidance or your organisation's policies and procedures.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

ACEs - adverse childhood experiences - is one of the most referenced phrases in social work and safeguarding. But how many of us have actually questioned whether we are using it correctly?In this episode Vicki Shevlin explores why the research behind ACEs is weaker than most people realise, why correlation is not causation and what this means practically for your assessments, your reports and your conversations with other professionals.If you have referenced ACEs recently in your practice - this episode is worth your time.For a full deep dive into the research, the 2020 Foundations review and three practical strategies to update your practice, the extended episode is available on The Social Work Collective Academy on Patreon.patreon.com/thesocialworkcollectiveacademyThis podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant. Content is intended to support professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for supervision, statutory guidance or your organisation's policies and procedures.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I explore one of the most persistent and unhelpful narratives in social work; that there is a hierarchy of practice, and that unless you have done your time in child protection you have not done real social work.Drawing on my own experience moving from family facing practice to conference chair to independent social worker and trainer, I reflect on the guilt that comes with changing direction, the false divide between academia and practice, the overlooked contribution of adult social work, and why social work needs to see itself as an ecosystem rather than a ranking system.Professional identity is fluid. Your version of social work matters. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned whether what they do counts.Disclaimer: This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant. Content is intended to support professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for supervision, statutory guidance or your organisation's policies and procedures.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I'm talking about one of the most consistent findings across serious case reviews; the invisible child and giving you one practical thing you can take into your next home visit immediately. Inspired by Harry Ferguson's new book Making Child Protection Work, I'm focusing specifically on direct work with infants and why greeting a child first, even a sleeping baby, matters more than you might think. This isn't about blame or shame. It's about small shifts that make a real difference. When considering whether to wake a sleeping child during a visit, always refer to your local authority policy and statutory guidance.If you're interested in training for your local authority, organisation or team, I work with a range of organisations across the UK delivering skills-focused safeguarding and social work training. Get in touch at [email protected] or find the link to book a conversation in the show notes.This podcast is hosted by Vicki Shevlin, an independent social worker and safeguarding consultant with over ten years of experience. The content is intended to support your professional development and reflective practice. It is not a substitute for good quality supervision, statutory guidance, legislation, or your organisation's policies and procedures. Always refer to your local authority guidance and relevant statutory frameworks when making practice decisions. Nothing in this podcast constitutes formal legal or professional advice.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 In this episode, I'm reflecting on my own unexpected experience of having a record written about me, not as a social worker, but as a home educating parent. It's a small, almost comedic example, but it stayed with me, and it raises big questions about accuracy, context, and what families actually feel when their words are recorded without them. I'm also sharing my thoughts on what the Families First changes and updated Working Together guidance mean for social workers in practice, and why legislative change without investment in skills is just paperwork with a new name. Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode, I’m joined by Power 2 Prevail to explore what it really means to work with young people, not just around them.We talk about the power of youth work, how professional hierarchies can silence lived experience, and why “listening” isn’t the same as genuine inclusion.Together, we explore how care-experienced young people can and should shape training, learning and development, not as a token gesture, but as valued experts in their own lives.This conversation is about power, voice, and what changes when we take young people seriously in practice, in systems, and in ourselves.Connect with Jade:Linkedin: Jade Barnett Instagram: @power2prevail_https://power2prevail.co.uk/Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Have your home visits started running to two hours… but nothing is actually changing?In this bite-sized episode, I share a powerful reflection from inside The Social Work Collective Academy following a live masterclass on Staying Connected When Conversations Are Hard.We talk about:Why naming the time you have is a professional skillHow unclear time boundaries increase burnoutWhy shorter visits can still be high-qualityHow boundaries help families feel saferThe link between containment, regulation, and emotional safetyThis isn’t about rushing people. It isn’t about being rigid.It’s about calm, confident containment.If you’re leaving visits drained, struggling to end meetings on time, or feeling like you’re giving more than you have — this episode is your reminder:You are allowed to name the time.The Staying Connected masterclass is now inside The Social Work Collective Academy.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

January doesn’t need to be a fresh start on the 1st and social work doesn’t get easier when we set ourselves (and families) impossible expectations.In this episode, I’m sharing my phrase for the year - one thing at a time - and why it matters for attention, overwhelm, and realistic planning (in practice and in life). I also share what I’ve been reading lately, how it’s shaping my training, and I introduce an exciting new addition inside the Social Work Collective Academy: the Practice Pause Library: short, guided pauses designed for real social work moments (before home visits, during overwhelm, and after heightened situations).I’ll also leave you with five small, realistic ways to create space when January feels heavy  including why three minutes can be enough to shift your day.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome back + permission for a slow start to January01:26 Plans, pressure, and unrealistic expectations (in life + in practice)04:57 Phrase of the year: One thing at a time (attention + multitasking myth)12:21 What I’ve been reading (fiction + nonfiction) + why it matters24:09 What’s influencing my training right now (mind-body, mindset, calm first)26:21 New inside the Collective Academy: the Practice Pause Library30:53 Five ways to feel less overwhelmed in January40:57 What’s coming next (free reset + direct work + guests)42:57 Closing Practice PauseLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

This episode was unplanned but necessary.After receiving my Spotify Wrapped for the podcast, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks: many listeners of Social Work Sorted were also listening to summaries of The Let Them Theory.In this episode, I unpack why the idea of “just letting them” doesn’t sit comfortably with me as a social worker, an advocate, or a human living in a collective world. While self-help narratives often encourage us to stop people-pleasing and focus inward, I explore how this can quickly slide into passivity, hyper-individualisation, and a quiet acceptance of harm.We talk about power, privilege, social justice, and why “letting them” is not a neutral act - especially in a profession rooted in advocacy and collective responsibility.This is not about attacking individuals or books. It’s about being clear on our values.Sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is not let them.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode, I’m talking honestly about Christmas – both as a person and as a social worker. I share my own complicated relationship with the festive season, from hypervigilant childhood Decembers to slowly reclaiming pockets of joy with my own children (yes, including my very extra homemade advent calendar).Then we look at Christmas in practice: how to protect your own energy in December, set realistic non-negotiables, and gently let go of the traditions and expectations that are stressing you out. I’ll also walk you through some practical reflections for the children and families you work with – from contact/family time and foster carer support, to poverty, gifts, domestic abuse and safety planning that actually means something.If Christmas feels heavy, complicated or lonely this year, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone, and that joy and risk can co-exist – in your life and in your practice.Timestamps:00:00 – Finding my Christmas footing (and my intro) Rusty with podcasting, updates on The Social Work Collective Academy, and the Ofsted masterclass invite.10:00 – Christmas + you as a social worker Complicated feelings about Christmas, reparenting, boundaries, non-negotiables, and letting go of festive pressure.40:00 – Christmas for children and families in practice Contact/family time, poverty and presents, domestic abuse, safety planning, and holding both risk and joy in social work.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 In this episode, I’m talking directly to Designated Safeguarding Leads about supervision – what it is, what it isn’t, and why you absolutely need it in your role. I share three key things every DSL needs to know about supervision, including the difference between emotional containment and therapy, why you don’t need someone to “tell you what to do”, and why supervision won’t always feel comfortable (in the best possible way). If you’re a DSL with no supervision, or you’re not sure your current support is right for you, this episode will give you clarity – and language to start the conversation in your school. Enquire about Independent Supervision and wraparound Safeguarding Support Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a story that unfolded in my local park — one of those moments where instinct, practice experience, and humanity collided.After intervening in what appeared to be a domestically abusive situation, I walked away thinking about the one message every child, every adult, and every social worker needs to hear more often: “It’s not your fault.”In this episode, I talk about: • Why this message matters more than we realise • How systems, culture and upbringing shape our silence • The tension between speaking up vs staying quiet • The role social work skills play when things unfold in real time • How we help children (and ourselves) disconnect shame from experience • The importance of naming abuse with clarity, confidence and compassionInside the Social Work Collective Academy, we’re exploring confidence, regulation and reflective practice through our 12-week Confidence in Practice Journey — and this episode connects deeply to that work.If you want weekly guidance, bitesize practice support, domestic abuse training, court skills, child protection process refreshers and access to our December Masterclass on OFSTED, you can join the Academy anytime here. Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Why are we still doing things for Ofsted? Why do we hear, “Make sure your case notes are up to date — for Ofsted”?In this episode, I explore how inspection culture shapes the way we work and how it can create fear instead of reflection. With grounded takeaways for directors, managers, and practitioners, this episode looks at how we can rebuild calm, confidence, and purpose within our organisations.Join me for the live Managing Ofsted, Regulation & Change masterclass  free for members of The Social Work Collective Academy. 🗓️ Tuesday 9th December, 7:30–9:00pm (UK)TICKETS FOR DECEMBER: www.socialworksorted.com/liveeventsJoin The Social Work Collective Academy www.socialworksorted.com/collectiveonlineLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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. I talk about this book: Doing Real-Life Change in Children’s Social Care: Embedded Research in PracticeLloyd, J., & Owens, R. (2025). Doing Real-Life Change in Children’s Social Care: Embedded Research in Practice. Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447372400I referenced Dr Ron Dodzo: https://www.instagram.com/theaccessiblepsychologist/?hl=enContextual Safeguarding:https://www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/Ciara McCelland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-mcclelland-0a211b250/?originalSubdomain=ukLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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.👉 Join The Collective Academy for reflective, bite-sized, high-quality training for newly qualified social workers: https://www.socialworksorted.com/subscriptions 👉 For organisations seeking in-person or bespoke safeguarding training, visit https://www.socialworksorted.com/thecollectiveLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode, I sit down with the Social Work Academy team at Lancashire County Council to talk about how they support newly qualified social workers during their ASYE year. We explore the induction process, the challenges new practitioners face, and the role of ongoing learning and reflective practice. I also share insights from my own contribution to their ASYE Induction Programme, where I deliver a dedicated session on communication skills — a cornerstone of effective social work practice.Whether you’re a new social worker, an academy lead, or a team manager, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at how one local authority is building confident, resilient practitioners from day one.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 for itSteps to prepare for your first visit while staying relationship-focusedHow 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 “assessment robot” mode and connect meaningfully with familiesPractical steps to build confidence in planning, assessing, and recordingI'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 Assessmentshttps://www.socialworksorted.com/free-ebookChild and Family Assessment Guidehttps://www.socialworksorted.com/product-page/childandfamilyassessmentguideASYE Core Skills Training (24–25 September 2025)https://www.socialworksorted.com/event-details/asye-core-skills-clarity-and-confidence-for-early-practiceLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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-filesBoundaries:https://www.socialworksorted.com/post/about-me-deciding-non-negotiable-boundaries-part-5Case records: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1926820Child Protection Processeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZA4ZNLXnEs12 weeks to Confidence in PracticeAvailable for members of The Collective Learning Hub - Join hereASYE Core Skills Training Book your placeEnquire about group bookingLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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-practiceLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

The Truth About Confidence, Competence, and CalmIn 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

The waiting list for The Social Work Collective Academy is now open: Join The CollectiveIf you are interested in an organisation licence please email me [email protected] connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 CollectiveLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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/thecollectiveLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 ShevlinInstagram: @vickishevlin_Facebook : Social Work Sorted Follow up links:https://iavsw.org/https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p383717-rebecca-stephens/publicationshttps://sussex.figshare.com/articles/presentation/Human_and_Animal_Inclusive_Practice/26152114https://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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

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 guidelineshttps://www.basw.co.uk/about-basw/campaigning-and-influencing/artificial-intelligence-ai-social-workLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

This is a question I am asked regularly and although I can't respond to individual circumstances, this episode will take you through:-reframing complaints -removing personal comments -the value in apologising -upholding families rights -looking after yourself with record keeping Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

How do we extend the reach of a genogram? Yes, genograms are essential to our understanding of family networks and narratives, but what if the people influencing us the most are the ones we see every morning when we scroll social media?Are we including virtual contexts and connections in our assessments? And how do we do that in a non judgmental way?In this episode I talk about the importance of considering virtual influences, on both ourselves and the people we support. Recommended listening and reading: When do parenting influencers become a safeguarding issue?  Irwin-Rogers, K., & Pinkney, C. (2017). Social media as a catalyst and trigger for youth violence. Catch22.  Pinkney, C., & Robinson-Edwards, S. (2018). Gangs, music and the mediatisation of crime: Expressions, violations and validations. Safer Communities, 17(2), 103-118.https://www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

This episode is really one big question. As social work podcasts increase (which is a great thing!) how do we as a collective, manage our responsibility to protect guests and ensure information is shared and not exploited?I don't have answers, but I'm hoping someone who listens to this might help me formulate some thoughts.It always feels scary to share my own experience but I wouldn't ask for transparency from others if I wasn't also willing to be transparent myself. I always feel uncomfortable talking about money but equally discomfort is a feeling that I now associate with change, and I see that as a positive.Get in touch: [email protected] Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

In this episode I am joined by the wonderful Katy, who started as a listener of this podcast and is now a friend. I shared a post on instagram asking you to share your questions for me about all things podcast, so a huge thank you to Katy for joining me and asking them!Thank you so much for listening, the fact that I have been doing this for 3 years with now 100,000 downloads is wild and I am so grateful to you for listening and sharing every week. To be even just a tiny part of your social work journey is a huge privilege that I never take for granted. Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

I am so happy to share this conversation with Clo. Recommended resources mentioned: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/ted-noelhttps://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/es-flo/  Join The Social Work Collective:https://socialworksorted.com/thecollectiveLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Are you a new social worker? Do you find yourself saying or thinking, 'I have Imposter Syndrome'?If so, this is for you! Read more:hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndromeLets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

How often do we talk about safety in social work?How often do we stop and think about the ways we define safety?Sharing some of my thoughts about safety, how we ask questions about it and how we unpick ideas. If you have any feedback on this episode or any reading to share with me - please reach out! Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

Not my usual podcast but I am asked all the time about my current role in training, consultancy, having a podcast and doing independent social work so I wanted to give some very honest insightsPlease remember, this is just my personal experience so I'm hoping it might help at least one person out there. If you want to get in touch about this episode please reach out! Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

I loved this conversation with the wonderful Angie!I've had some not -so - good experiences with school nurses, and Angie has had some not-so-good experiences with social workers.In this very honest conversation we look at multi agency working, what it really means in practice and how we can overcome some of the challenges in co working. Follow Angie:https://www.instagram.com/nurseangiejay/ Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.

As social workers, how often do we hold the expectation that people should tell us the truth? How does that contradict with our mainstream entertainment, a tv show that is focused on lies and deception? In this short episode I'm inviting you to think about why people lie, and why we should avoid taking it personally as social workers. Recommended reading:https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/the-traitors-unconscious-biasA great read on organisational deception with definitions of different types of lies:Jenkins, S., & Delbridge, R. (2020). Exploring Organizational Deception: Organizational Contexts, Social Relations and Types of Lying. Organization Theory, 1(2).An alternative perspective on lying for patients in dementia care:Frederik Schou-Juul & Sigurd Lauridsen. (2024) Caregivers’ perceptions of lying to people with dementia in Denmark: a qualitative study. Aging & Mental Health 28:11, pages 1471-1478.Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] 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: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer 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.