From Personal Awareness to Professional Excellence Conference 2026

Join us for a powerful, interactive session designed to support final-year social work students and early carer social workers as you prepare to step into practice.

Following the success of last year’s event — described by LSBU students as one of the most impactful skills sessions — PAPE returns to help you move from personal awareness into professional confidence.

This is more than inspiration — this is preparation.

• Develop clarity about who you are as a social worker
  Explore the SAVI Approach (Self-Aware, Authentic, Valuing, Intentional) and how it supports you in navigating the realities of practice.
• Hear honest insight about the first year in practice
  Gain real perspectives from a newly qualified social worker about what to expect and how to prepare.
• Understand how to sustain yourself in the profession
  Learn from leaders, educators, and practitioners about navigating pressure, expectations, and growth.
• Ask the questions you are really thinking
  This is a safe and open space for honest dialogue.

• Opening Reflection – The Student Voice
  A final-year student shares their experience of preparing to qualify.
• Be a SAVI Social Worker
  An interactive workshop guiding you through the SAVI framework, supporting you to move from awareness to action.
• Crossing the Bridge – NQSW Spotlight
  A newly qualified social worker shares the reality of their first year in practice.
• Panel Discussion – The Reality of Practice
  A curated panel including practice leaders, educators, wellbeing specialists, and innovators in social work, followed by an open Q&A.

• Final-year social work students (Batchelors, Masters and Diploma)
• Students preparing for ASYE / first role
• Newly Qualified Social Workers

Location: London South Bank University (Elephant & Castle)
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Time: 9.30-1pm

Places are limited. Please only register if you are able to attend.

Nadine Boyne is a social worker, international speaker, and founder of Social Work DISCovery. She is the creator of the SAVI framework and author of Social Work is Not Self-Harm: The SAVI Shift to Reclaim Your Power, Purpose and Joy.

Aleski Brandy-Williams - Registered Manager, Author, Business Owner

Danielle Perrimon - Workforce Development Consultant, AI Storytelling Expert, Business Owner

Lashonte Royal - Deputy Safeguarding Lead, NQSW Award Winner 2025, +++

Natalie Robertson - Consultant Social Worker, Practice Educator Award Winner 2025, Business Owner

Shantel Thomas - Head of Social Work, Social Justice Award Winner 2024, Business Owner

Susuana Gyampoh-Senghor - Final Year Student, Student Social Worker Award Winner 2025, +++

This is not just a conference.
It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and step into your next chapter with clarity and intention.

LSBU Student - No need to book here, you get prioirty access.

LIMITED SPACES for external students/practitioners.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Social Work DISCovery in association with Social Work England