My Must-Read Books and Podcasts for Newly Qualified Social Workers
- Vicki Shevlin
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
When you’re about to start your ASYE, it’s tempting to buy all the books, subscribe to all the podcasts, and save every single resource you see online. The problem? Information overload.
I wanted to make things simpler for you — so here’s my bumper list of recommendations. If we were sat together over tea, this is what I’d hand you and say, “Start here. These will help you now, and you’ll come back to them for years.”
Top of my list is Anti-Racist Social Work in Practice, edited by Nimal Jude, Tanya Moore, and Gloria Sego. Packed with practice examples, it’s invaluable for embedding anti-racism into your everyday work.
I also love Child Protection Practice by Harry Ferguson — thoughtful, accessible writing that blends research with real-world practice. And Messy Social Work by Rich Devine is full of heart, honesty, and moments that won’t show up in any case file but matter deeply in children’s lives.
On the self-care side, Tamu Thomas’s Women Who Work Too Much is a powerful dismantling of toxic productivity, while Gabor Maté’s When the Body Says No is a reminder to listen to your body before stress takes its toll.
Pair these with a few well-chosen podcasts (including The Anti-Racist Listening Project and The Messy Social Work Podcast), and you’ll have a toolkit that supports your learning and your wellbeing.
Because your ASYE isn’t about cramming everything in — it’s about finding the resources that truly serve you, and using them well.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Social Work Sorted for all my ASYE book and podcast recommendations, plus extra tips on how to make the most of them in your first year.
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