Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin
Episodes
Seeing the Invisible Child: Direct Work With Infants on Home Visits
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm talking about one of the most consistent findings across serious case reviews; the invisible child and giving you one practic...
What Case Recording Feels Like From the Other Side
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 educ...
Voice, Power and Practice with Jade Barnett, CEO of Power2Prevail
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 pow...
Name the Time: Boundaries that protect you and others
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
One Thing at a Time: plans, pressure, and practice
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 expectation...
Don’t Let Them: why social workers can’t afford passive self-help
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was unplanned but necessary.After receiving my Spotify Wrapped for the podcast, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks: many li...
Christmas in social work: Boundaries, joy & the pressure we don’t talk about
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Safeguarding Series: Why supervision for DSLs isn’t a ‘nice to have’
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m talking directly to Designated Safeguarding Leads about supervision – what it is, what it isn’t, and why you absolutely n...
What I told a stranger in the park and why it matters for your practice
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 human...
Why Are We Doing This for Ofsted? Rethinking Organisational Culture in Social Work
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
Conversations from Conferences: Finding Hope in the Work
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I recently attending 2 conferences that didn't feel like conferences at all. The Contextual Safeguarding Conference in Durham and the Trauma Info...
The Cupboard That Changed My Career: Why Good Training Starts With How You Learn
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tr...
Building Confidence from Day 1: Lancashire Social Work Academy ASYE Induction
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 worke...
Starting in a New Social Work Team: Confidence, Connection & Holding Your Boundaries
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 br...
How to Make the Most of Shadowing in Your ASYE Year
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
An Alternative Social Work Induction: Habits, Boundaries and Prep for Your ASYE Year
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We talk a lot about skills in social work inductions — assessments, visits, meetings, communication — but there’s more to thriving in your ASY...
Slow Down: Change Takes Time in Social Work: How technology and unrealistic timescales shape the way we see progress
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
ASYE Preparation: My Must-Read Books, Podcasts, and Resources
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
5 recent failures that I'm proud to share
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sh...
Inside The Social Work Collective Academy: How It Transforms Your First Year in Practice
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 su...
Your first allocated family: How to Stay Grounded, Confident, and Clear
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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&a...
Assessment Skills for Newly Qualified Social Workers: Where to Start and What to Know
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm offering a practical, compassionate guide to help newly qualified social workers feel more confident about assessment work—...
How to feel Ready... Even when you're not
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pr...
Say what you see (Recording and Written Skill for New Social Workers)
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A bitesize learning episode to support you in practice. To book ASYE Core Skills training head here:https://www.socialworksorted.com/event-details/as...
Social Work Propaganda I'm not falling for
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Truth About Confidence, Competence, and Calm for New Social Workers
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 So...
Creating a culture of feedback in Social Work
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] Sig...
3 lessons from my first year in Social Work
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The waiting list for The Social Work Collective Academy is now open: Join The CollectiveIf you are interested in an organisation licence please email...
Choosing your personal priorities (and why it's so hard)
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
The 3 biggest struggles for newly qualified social workers
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ep...
What I wish I'd known as a new social worker
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Why dogs should be on genograms: Social Work Assessments and Pets
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. I...
SW England fees, AI and practice, changes to the ASYE, and a spring reset - basically a big update
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What to do if someone makes a complaint against you as a social worker
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a question I am asked regularly and although I can't respond to individual circumstances, this episode will take you through:-reframing c...
Assessment Skills: Who are our biggest influences/Virtual genograms
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The business of social work podcasts
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 responsibil...
Lessons from 3 years of the podcast!
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
In Conversation with The Collective, with guest member Clo
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am so happy to share this conversation with Clo. Recommended resources mentioned: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/ted-noelhttps://kilntheatre....
Let's stop the narrative of 'imposter syndrome' in social work
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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/...
How do we define safety in social work?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 safe...
A very honest insight into being an independent social worker
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Social Work and School nursing: How can we work together with Nurse Angie Jay
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-goo...
Social Work, Lies and Traitors
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As social workers, how often do we hold the expectation that people should tell us the truth? How does that contradict with our mainstream entertainme...
How to overcome the 'what if' worries as a Newly Qualified Social Worker
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is for you if you are an ASYE feeling worried or apprehensive about something you have coming up.I'm sharing practical strategies for that s...
The 1 reminder social workers need before starting an assessment
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Free Assessment Ebook https://www.socialworksorted.com/free-ebookThe Child and Family Assessment Guide Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat w...
Returning to Social Work after a break or time away
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's return to work week for so many of us after a December break, although I know that social workers usually work duty rotas as an unrecognised...
My 5 biggest lessons from 2024
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have way more than 5 lessons and so many more mistakes made but I wanted to share these as I think they have the most connection with social workers...
Happy New Year! The mantra I'm taking with me for 2025
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of 2025 I wanted to share my mantra for the year. I do this every year so I have an idea to come back to and ground me. Beginnin...
Burnout and resilience for new social workers, with Sass Boucher
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me and Sass as we talk about wellbeing, resilience and burnout - a conversation for any social worker at any time of the year - but I think as we...
Reflections on the Black and Diverse Safeguarding Professionals Conference with Le'Siran Edwards
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me and Le'Siran as she shares the process of building the first Black and Diverse Safeguarding Professionals Conference, as well as reflecti...
When do parenting influencers become a safeguarding issue? with Dr Emma Svanberg
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a parent and a social worker I consume content created by parents and for parents. Social media is a minefield and we are in a time where 'hon...
Working with 'difficult' social work managers (it's not what you think!)
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a podcast response to a question on social media. I've never been a manager but I hear from them almost as much as I hear from new social...
NQSW feeling overwhelmed and overthinking? This is for you
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I asked my instagram followers what they wanted me to cover in an episode and Becki (hi!) said she was a NQSW feeling overwhelmed and couldn't st...
Pumpkin theory (decision making for new social workers)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes it's a made up theory but hopefully it will serve as a niche reminder for you as a new social worker - useful reflection for making decisions...
A reflective question to ask when you feel hopeless
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I've been asking myself this question recently and I think it will help you, whether you are thinking about macro or micro social work.Let me kno...
A big update - Social Work, Life, Business and boundaries
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This was supposed to be an end of summer update but I blinked and it's October. Listen for a big update on Social Work Sorted/The Social Work Co...
Building Resilience & understanding your stress response with Natalie from The Social Life
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in conversation with the amazing Natalie Robertson from The Social Life as we chat about our experience as new social workers, from skin issue...
Why you need to stop asking for permission, and examine your habits as a new social worker
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, recorded at the end of the summer holidays and clearly demonstrating a big overshare, I talk about our habits when it comes to asking...
What does the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance mean for social workers in 2024? with Danny from Curious about Queerness
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/16/new-rshe-guidance-what-it-means-for-sex-education-lessons-in-schools/Danny's recommendations: ReadPle...
Worried about starting your ASYE? This is for you
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE Masterclass: Starting in Social Work Wed 4th Sep 7.30pm live via zoom https://www.socialworksorted.com/event-details/starting-in-social-workThe S...
What does it really mean to be trauma informed as a social worker, with Dr Jessica Taylor
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm in conversation with Dr Jessica Taylor. We talk about:-Jess's newest book and memoir, Underclass-Trauma informed, anti p...
Starting a social work podcast with Nadia, Fran & Eugene from Social Matters
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you so much for listening, To follow and listen to Nadia, Fran and Eugene:Website: www.socialmatters.org.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Socialm...
Balance is a myth in social work
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode, I want to remind you that balance is a myth.Listen on your lunch, and take a reminder to change your perspective on balance, so...
Dealing with conflict from other 'professionals' as a new social worker
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk you through 3 ways to change your view on 'professional' conflict.If you've been dreading meetings because you h...
Using social work theory in practice
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a recording of an instagram live, to watch instead of listen head hereReferences from the podcast:✅YouTube.com/@socialworksorted➡️Attach...
How to read a serious case review
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a newly qualified social worker, it's important to read serious case reviews to learn and reflect on practice, but has anyone talked to you ab...
Compassionate case notes, Representation & being a content creator with Gem Turner
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I could talk to Gem all day! But we managed to keep this at an hour for you!In this episode we talk about:-The impact of reducing a person to what the...
Referral and Assessment process in Children's Social Care
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is for you if you want clarity on referral and assessment in children's social care. This in an overview of the process and not a re...
Becoming a social work manager & the value of supervision with Kyrene Darko
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't met Kyrene before, you should know she is one of the kindest, caring people you will find! In this episode we talk about:-Her soci...
Listen if you are feeling overwhelmed: for students and newly qualified social workers
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am going to guide you through 3 steps to start beating overwhelm.If you find yourself in freeze or panic mode not knowing where to s...
Why Union's matter with Calum Gallacher, Assistant Secretary Social Workers Union
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk to Calum and Carol about:-Social Workers Union and how it was formed-The value of being part of a union -Managing your boundari...
3 questions for your social work career
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you are applying for your first role in social work, getting prepared for interviews or thinking about a move or change, this episode includes...
Overworking, Somatics and Systemic Change with Tamu Thomas
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this incredible conversation I chat to Tamu Thomas, transformational life coach and former social worker, specialising in helping women achieve wor...
Listen if you want to feel confident
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Students and Newly Qualified social workers... this is for you if you want to feel confident.In this bitesized episode I'll be talking you throug...
Contextual Safeguarding in practice with Clair Graham
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In one of my most memorable conversations I speak to Clair Graham, from Birmingham Children's Trust.We talk about the importance of community, wh...
Social Work Coaches vs Social Work Mentors with Le'Siran Edwards
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I spoke with Le'Siran Edwards, founder of The Social Work Coaching Hub.We talk about:-The difference between coaching and mentori...
Children, Consent and Body Autonomy with Jayneen Sanders
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in conversation with author and publisher Jayneen Sanders as we talk about:-the importance of body autonomy -how NQSW's can work with fa...
UK vs US social work with Catherine from Social Workers, Rise! Podcast
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me and Catherine Moore from @SocialWorkersRise as we talk about the similarities and differences between social work training and practice in ...
Safety on home visits (The Home Visit Guide Series)
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Home Visit Guide helps students and new social workers build confidence to plan, prepare and undertake home visits in children's services.In ...
Defining 'home' on a home visit (The Home Visit Guide Series)
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this mini series to celebrate the launch of The Home Visit Guide.In this episode I talk about:-Why we do home visits-How we define home -T...
Navigating the Heart of Social Work: Insights with Jason Barnes
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in an honest conversation with seasoned social worker and mentor, Jason Barnes. We explore the challenges and triumphs of the social work prof...
Social Work in Palestine with guest David Harrop
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am joined by David Harrop, independent social worker and co-founder of the Palestine UK Social Work Network. We talk about -David&...
Practical Strategies for Self-Care: 4 actionable steps for ASYE's
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I this episode I talk about practical strategies for self-care tailored to social work students and newly qualified professionals. I am sharing 4 act...
Can children's social work ever truly be child led?
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Reflecting on what home education means to me, and some of the lessons I am learning and unlearning about truly being child centred. I would love to ...
Play and Development with Carly Budd
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation I talk to Carly Budd, a children's occupation play therapist and founder of the Carly Budd Developmental Play Academy. We t...
NQSW's: How to start 2024 with a digital declutter
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year!Back to share some of my tips for digital decluttering... which is what I've been doing over my December break.If you want to feel...
Leaning into discomfort: 5 lessons I've learnt in Social Work Sorted
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the founder of Social Work Sorted, an online platform for newly qualified social workers, I bring my unique perspective shaped by my background in ...
Decisions in Social Work: Unpacking the Question – Who Am I Doing It For?
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who are you doing it for?" In this episode I emphasise the importance of considering this question when making decisions, plans, or taking action...
Overcoming Overwhelm: Practical Tips for Social Workers in December
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I address the common December panic experienced by newly qualified social workers. As the year-end approaches, social workers often ...
What I don't do: Advice for ASYE & students looking for additional help in practice
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this recording (taken from this instagram live) I talk about: -Why I offer skill sessions-What is involved in a skill session -What to look for in ...
Undertake an assessment with me: Family history and functioning
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a huge topic but Introduction to Assessment is just that; an introduction. For newly qualified social workers feeling overwhelmed with child a...
3 ways to embrace starting new things as a social worker
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about 3 ideas I hold with me when I start something new, and how you can adapt these for your first year in social work. To su...
The best environment to make 'difficult' phone calls. For newly qualified social workers (part 2)
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To watch this with subtitles head to youtube: @socialworksortedIn this episode I talk about the importance of considering environments when making and...
How to make a difficult phone call? for newly qualified social workers (part 1)
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to watch this instead head to youtube: @socialworksortedLink hereIn this epsiode:-What makes a phone call 'difficult'-Recognisin...
Social Work Interview Skills - Questions about case studies
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about social work interview skills and the use of case studies.I talk about how to approach case study questions, including st...
Undertake an assessment with me: Child's health needs
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I show you how I use Introduction to Assessment: A guide, video and audio course, to bring out the best in your assessment. Focusing o...
How to centre the voice of children: resources inside The Collective
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk to you about what you need to consider when seeking the voice of children. -Legislation, statutory guidance and consent -Introd...
Is it ok to cry at work? A reflection to share with newly qualified social workers
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I was recently asked this question by someone beginning their assessed and supported year in employment (first year in social work).I went back to an ...
Rupture and repair with teenagers with Kitty Hagenbach from How not to f*ck up your kids Podcast
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I speak to my wonderful and wise friend Kitty Hagenbach, Kitty is a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years of clinical p...
Find your way as a newly qualified social worker: In conversation with Nimal Jude
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am joined by Nimal Jude, Head of Practice Guides at Foundations.We talk about:-Nimal's incredible career in social work-Stories...