Your Alternative Social Work Induction: How to Prepare Your Life (Not Just Your Skills) for ASYE
- Vicki Shevlin
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
When we think about social work induction, we often picture skill-building: learning how to complete assessments, chair meetings, or handle tricky phone calls. And while those are important (and I’ll always talk about them), there’s another side to induction that rarely gets mentioned — preparing your life for your ASYE year.
Your first year will be exciting and rewarding, but it will also be a huge change. You’re stepping into a new role, maybe a new team or a new local authority, and carrying new levels of accountability. All of that has an impact beyond your workday.
That’s why I recommend what I call an “alternative induction.” It’s about putting systems in place outside of work that make life easier when things inevitably get overwhelming.
Start with an everything list — not just work tasks, but all the life admin cluttering your brain: booking your MOT, making dental appointments, sorting kids’ clubs, paying bills. Clear what you can now so it’s not weighing on you later.
Next, plan your support. Whether that’s childcare, flexible working requests, or swapping school pick-ups with another parent, get organised early. And let the people around you know that your first year will be a big adjustment — you may need extra help or understanding.
None of this replaces skill-building — you’ll still grow in your practice. But looking after your home life and personal capacity gives you more space, energy, and focus for the work itself.
🎧 For the full list of habits, routines, and practical tips to prepare for your ASYE, listen to this episode of Social Work Sorted.
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