"What I've learned from 40 years of social work"

Retired Social Worker, Mary Clifton, shares her tips for success, honed over four decades of frontline work.

I qualified as a Social Worker in 1982, falling into the career by chance when I chose my degree at 18.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work in every area of social work - taking on DASS roles, AD roles, and NHS integrated care Director roles - and consider myself privileged to have found a career I’ve loved, and turned out to be not too shabby at.

It’s been challenging, pressured, and a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Now, aged 61, I've been forced to step back due to ill health. I do a some work as a strategic consultant for a small family owned home care agency, and still absolutely love doing what I do.

I would encourage anyone to consider a career in social work, and to always remember what brought them to it, which for me was, and still is, making a positive difference to people.

1. Make the most of your education, it’s the best foundation you can have.

2. It’s hard to know what you want to do at 16, or 18, but you know if you are more interested in how people work than how things work, so start there. Choosing social work was the best and most fortunate choice I made in my life. But if it doesn’t feel right, then change.

3. The energy and enthusiasm of youth may lead you to think you know more than you do, but take the time to listen and learn from colleagues. My first boss set the foundations of best practice for me, and 40 years on, they remain with me to share with others.

4. Don’t be in a hurry to progress up the ladder. Ground yourself in experience, and always strive to do the best you can. If you fail, learn from it, apply the learning, and improve.

5. Rejoice in progress; the smallest step is still progress. 6. Be kind to yourself, and mindful of your wellbeing. It is the hardest thing to give if you are running on empty. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

7. Be courteous to everyone. The grace of good manners is free, but the goodwill it creates spreads far. Acknowledge the contributions of others, and always take the time for a ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ - ideally in person.

Humour is a good thing, but not at the expense of hurting others, so be mindful.

If you agree to do something, then do it within the timescale agreed.

Don’t brush off compliments, and learn from criticism.

Participate in meetings, don’t lose your temper with colleagues.

Maintain your personal and professional integrity at all times, and lead by example.

8. Finally, when the time comes to step back from your career, if you love it as I do, it will be difficult. Find ways to utilise what you have learned - your skills and experience - in other ways. Look back with pride in all that you did.