How to Build Confidence in Assessment Skills as a Newly Qualified Social Worker

If you're stepping into your ASYE or just beginning your social work career, chances are you've felt overwhelmed by the word "assessment." You're not alone. It's one of the most common worries I hear from new social workers.

In this week’s podcast episode, I share a full, grounded introduction to assessment skills—specifically child and family assessments—and the steps you can take to feel more confident and capable in practice.

We’ll cover:

• What the Working Together guidance really says (and why it matters)

  
  

• The importance of knowing your local policy and procedures

  
  

• Why the 25-year-old assessment triangle may not be enough—and what to do instead

  
  

• How to avoid becoming an “assessment robot” and stay connected to the real purpose of your work

  
  

• Plus: how to reflect critically, not just follow templates

  
  

I’m also sharing details of my upcoming ASYE Core Skills Training this September, which is ideal for newly qualified social workers or academy leads planning their induction offer. It’s full of practical tools, reflection templates, and aligned with national frameworks—because you deserve training that makes your job easier, not harder.

🎧 Listen to the episode now and explore the links in the show notes for free tools and training that will help you build your confidence, one step at a time.

READ MORE here.

ENQUIRE about group bookings

Who is this for?

• Newly qualified social workers (Children & Families) starting ASYE

• Local authorities seeking to strengthen retention, confidence, and competence in early career staff

Multiple participants:

Individual £129

Small group (3–6) £119

Medium group (7–14) £109

Large group (15+) £99

Day 1 Tuesday 24th September 2025: 10am - 1pm

Day 2 Wednesday 25th September 2025 : 10am -1pm

Topics include:

✅ Boundaries & resilience

✅ Communication & multi-agency work

✅ Home visit preparation

✅ Child protection and assessment basics

✅ Purposeful, child-focused case recording

Day 1: Grounding Yourself in Practice

• Module 1: Boundaries and ResilienceHealthy boundaries, emotional regulation, reflective tools, burnout prevention

• Module 2: Communication Skills & Working with ResistanceListening, rapport, curiosity, responding to resistance

• Module 3: Multi-Agency Working Roles and responsibilities, navigating meetings, clear communication

  
  

Day 2: Core Practice Skills

• Module 4: Home Visits & Relationship Building Visit planning, risk management, observational practice, relational trust

• Module 5: Assessment and Child Protection Thresholds, decision-making, referrals, safeguarding frameworks

• Module 6: Case Recording Skills Writing with purpose, evidence, lived experience, avoiding jargon

Ready to Book?

If you’re an individual looking to feel more confident starting your ASYE — or a local authority seeking high-quality, real-world training for your cohort — this workshop is for you.

Book now or head to the Contact page to enquire, request a commissioner pack, or book your place.

Let’s make sure the next generation of social workers don’t just survive their first year - they grow through it.