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PODCAST

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin

Social Work Sorted is the leading podcast for Newly Qualified Social Workers in the UK. Hosted and produced by Vicki Shevlin, a social worker, trainer, consultant and founder of The Social Work Collective Academy.This is a podcast for social workers and safeguarding professionals who care about skills, knowledge and practice. Fresh, relatable and realistic, Vicki brings her social work experience and unique training approach to bitesize episodes. Guest episodes feature critical conversations with

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All Episodes

13:52

Should we still be talking about ACE's? What Social...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/04/22

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 -...

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17:23

There are so many ways to be a Social Worker

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/04/17

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 adul...

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17:02

Seeing the Invisible Child: Direct Work With Infants...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/04/01

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 differ...

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30:17

What Case Recording Feels Like From the Other Side

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/03/23

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 w...

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64:22

Voice, Power and Practice with Jade Barnett, CEO of...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/03/22

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, vo...

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10:46

Name the Time: Boundaries that protect you and others

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/02/24

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, reg...

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44:48

One Thing at a Time: plans, pressure, and practice

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2026/01/16

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 ...

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15:04

Don’t Let Them: why social workers can’t afford...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/12/22

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 e...

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35:51

Christmas in social work: Boundaries, joy & the...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/12/03

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 stress...

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20:24

The Safeguarding Series: Why supervision for DSLs...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/11/18

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 n...

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31:57

What I told a stranger in the park and why it matters...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/11/12

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 u...

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30:11

Why Are We Doing This for Ofsted? Rethinking...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/11/06

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 fo...

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63:02

Conversations from Conferences: Finding Hope in the Work

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/11/04

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 co...

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22:49

The Cupboard That Changed My Career: Why Good...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/10/20

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 Academ...

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49:17

Building Confidence from Day 1: Lancashire Social...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/09/30

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 practi...

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17:17

Starting in a New Social Work Team: Confidence,...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/09/22

Joining a new social work team can be exciting — and daunting. In this episode, I share practical tips for starting strong: how to remember you bring valuable life and learning experience, how to observe and learn from your team’s culture, and how to protect the work habits and boundaries that will help you thrive for years to come. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email vicki@socialworksorted.com ...

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15:16

How to Make the Most of Shadowing in Your ASYE Year

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/09/15

Shadowing is one of the best ways to build your confidence and skills as a new social worker — but only if you approach it the right way. In this episode, I share practical tips on how to ask to shadow without feeling like a nuisance, why being specific gets better results, how to observe actively (not passively), and why it’s essential to speak up if you’re not getting opportunities. Lets connect! To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, cou...

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27:33

An Alternative Social Work Induction: Habits,...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/09/08

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...

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13:36

Slow Down: Change Takes Time in Social Work: How...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/09/01

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...

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38:06

ASYE Preparation: My Must-Read Books, Podcasts, and...

Social Work Sorted with Vicki Shevlin ·

2025/08/25

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...

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171 results

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