The first year in practice can be one of the most transformative stages in a social worker’s career. It’s a time of steep learning, professional growth, and self-discovery – and for Lashonté Royal, this first year has been nothing short of “phenomenal.”

Fresh from being named Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year 2025, Lashonté took time to reflect on her Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) – what she’s learned, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s grown as both a practitioner and a person.

Finding her feet in frontline practice

“When I first started, I didn’t feel confident,” Lashonté admits. “I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to go into or what kind of impact I would truly make. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to work with vulnerable young people and children.”

Over the course of her ASYE, she’s worked in both assessment and locality teams, completing Section 47 inquiries, initiating child protection conferences, and building relationships with children and families over time.

“I’ve dealt with more complexity, longer-term involvement, and deeper relationship building. It’s been one of growth, resilience and purpose – I’ve overcome fears, built confidence, and most importantly, witnessed the lives of young people and families transform.”

The value of good support

Lashonté is quick to acknowledge the role of good management and mentoring in her development.

“I’m so grateful to be completing my ASYE with my local authority. From day one I’ve had incredible support – from my phenomenal manager, who goes above and beyond, to my amazing colleagues, mentors, and everyone who has believed in me and encouraged me.”

She’s also been supported by a broader network through her Instagram community, @Dearsocialworker_, which she started as a student to document her progress and share insights.

That network, she says, has helped her process experiences, share learning, and feel part of a community – something that’s particularly valuable for newly qualified social workers navigating the steep learning curve of their first year.

Learning to balance passion with perspective

The realities of frontline social work can be demanding – emotionally and administratively. Lashonté is open about the challenges of managing a heavy workload and the importance of maintaining perspective.

“There have been late nights, long visits, exhaustion, and moments where I questioned myself. But even through the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I’m still standing. I’m still passionate. I’m still willing to make a difference – no matter how difficult it may be.”

She adds that setting boundaries and having an understanding manager has helped her maintain a healthy work-life balance. “If things are getting out of hand, I can share that. I feel supported.”

A message for future social workers

Looking back on her ASYE, Lashonté says she wishes she had felt better prepared for the job search process – and encourages students to start early.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

“Finding my ASYE role was hard. I applied to around eight local authorities and only had one interview. Practising written assessments and doing more research about what day-to-day life as a social worker is really like would have helped. It’s such a competitive process now, especially for those who have come straight through education.”

Her advice to future newly qualified social workers is simple: don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

“You may not get the first job you apply for, but the right opportunity will come. Keep learning, stay reflective, and lean on your support networks. Every experience, even the hard ones, will shape the kind of social worker you become.”

Growing into the role – and beyond

As she looks ahead, Lashonté remains passionate about supporting children and families – whether within statutory social work or elsewhere.

“I don’t know exactly where my career will take me,” she says, “but I know I want to keep working with young people and helping them become the best version of themselves. Sometimes they just need a little encouragement – someone to listen, to care, to believe in them.”

At Pertemps Social Care, we see stories like Lashonté’s every day – of committed practitioners who combine compassion, professionalism, and purpose to make a difference. Her journey reminds us why supporting, celebrating, and investing in early-career social workers matters.

Because when new social workers are nurtured, everyone benefits – families, communities, and the profession itself.