Why Social Workers Should Volunteer – A Key to Your Career Growth

The Social Work Pivot

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore why volunteering can be a game-changer for social workers looking to expand their skills, build networks, and even pivot their careers.

Many social workers underestimate the value of trusteeship and volunteering, yet these roles provide opportunities to gain governance experience, influence decision-making, and develop leadership skills that can open doors to new career paths. Whether you're considering a move into independent practice, policy work, or a leadership role, volunteering offers a low-risk way to explore new opportunities while making a meaningful impact.

We discuss:
🔹 Why social workers make great trustees and board members
🔹 How volunteering can build credibility and leadership experience
🔹 Real-life examples of social workers who used volunteering to pivot their careers
🔹 Practical steps to find the right trustee or volunteering opportunity

Want to explore trustee roles and volunteering opportunities?
🔹 Find trustee vacancies: Reach Volunteering
🔹 Learn about becoming a trustee: The Charity Commission
🔹 Discover volunteer roles: Do-it.org

Links mentioned in this episode:

Association of Child Protection Professionals: https://www.childprotectionprofessionals.org.uk/child-abuse-review/get-involved/

Writing online guidance - Ship for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com/

Want to know more about coaching? Check out this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vYJIXVAb5sIoZwAjH6vQA?si=4533f98081dc44be

If you’re thinking about your next career move, this episode is packed with practical advice on how volunteering can accelerate your journey. Tune in now and take the next step in your career growth!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

Chapters

1. Why Social Workers Should Volunteer – A Key to Your Career Growth (00:00:00)

2. Why Volunteering Matters for Social Workers (00:01:43)

3. Volunteering within your existing organisation (00:02:45)

4. Becoming a trustee (00:06:13)

5. Supporting a local charity or non-profit organisation (00:08:08)

6. Engaging in research or writing (00:09:32)

7. Making the most of your volunteering experience (00:11:30)

8. Final thoughts (00:12:46)

22 episodes

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