Sarah Russell

My Graduate Story

I'm currently on secondment as an Advanced Social Worker and Practice Lead for the Technology for Independence Project within Adult Social Care.

In this role, I'm leading a council-wide initiative to explore and implement the use of technology to promote independence for adults with care and support needs. The aim is to empower individuals to live more safely and confidently at home while reducing the need for more restrictive or intensive care packages. It's a forward-thinking project that brings together innovation, person-centred practice, and long-term sustainability in social care.

A day in my life

No two days are the same, but my role often involves a mix of strategic planning, collaboration, and problem-solving.

A typical day might include meeting with frontline teams to understand the needs of the people we support, identifying cases where technology could make a meaningful difference, and working with partners, such as occupational therapists, social workers, and technology providers, to design practical, person-centred solutions.

I also spend time developing guidance, delivering training, and supporting teams to build confidence in using technology as part of their practice. There's a strong focus on promoting independence, reducing risk, and helping people live with greater dignity and autonomy.

It's a varied and rewarding role that requires creativity, empathy, and a good understanding of both systems and people.

My journey to Swindon Borough

After graduating, I registered with Social Work England and applied for a social work role in a new city.

I secured my first position at a different local authority from where I currently work and began my career in adult social care. Like all newly qualified social workers, I completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), which provided a structured transition into practice and helped build my confidence, skills, and professional identity.

I found the journey of applying for a social work position, straight forward.

My Birmingham experience

The learning experience on my course played a key role in preparing me for my social work career.

The law module, in particular, gave me a strong foundation in the legislation that underpins adult social care practice, especially the Care Act 2014. This knowledge has been essential in enabling me to carry out assessments and make informed, lawful decisions in my day-to-day role.

However, it was my placement that had the biggest impact. It gave me real, hands-on experience in the field, helped me understand how theory translates into practice, and allowed me to develop vital communication and interpersonal skills. Working directly with people during placement helped shape my approach to person-centred, empathetic practice and gave me a clearer sense of the realities and rewards of the profession.

Birmingham's impact

The University's support services, particularly the Careers Network, played a key role in shaping my early development.

Through a Careers Network event, I discovered the opportunity to take part in an opportunity with Caribbean elective, which allowed me to travel to Saint Lucia and support children, adults, and professionals in the community. During this experience, I led sessions on managing stress and anxiety using a combination of lectures, art, and music.

I also had the opportunity to advocate for individuals by feeding back to relevant stakeholders about gaps in local services. This placement helped me build leadership skills, especially in delivering mental health education and promoting techniques to support emotional wellbeing.

What made this experience so powerful was the holistic approach addressing people's needs beyond traditional care packages. It helped shape the values and perspective I bring into social work today and, in many ways, paved the path to the work I'm doing now on the Technology for Independence project.

The social work bursary also made a difference during my studies. It allowed me to complete full-time placements without the added pressure of having to work alongside them just to make ends meet. Thanks to the bursary, I was able to focus fully on developing my practice, meeting the demands of the course, and gaining as much experience as possible, all while still being able to cover my living costs.

My top tips for new students

My biggest advice is to take every opportunity that comes your way even if you're not sure where it might lead.

When I took part in the elective to Saint Lucia, I honestly thought it would just be a fun experience. I had no idea how much it would shape my understanding of mental health, advocacy, and holistic care or how it would influence the path I'm on today. Sometimes the most unexpected opportunities end up being the most meaningful.

It's also completely okay not to have everything figured out straight away. Your career will develop over time. Be open, be curious, and trust that each experience adds value. And lastly be confident in yourself. You've worked hard to get here, and you have something unique to bring to the profession.

Stay grounded in your values and, if you have faith, let it guide you it can be a powerful anchor in a field where compassion, integrity, and resilience matter so much.

The best bits of my course

One of the best things about the course was meeting like-minded people who were just as passionate about making a difference.

There was a real sense of shared purpose, and it was encouraging to learn alongside others who understood the challenges and values of the profession. I also really appreciated that the course included placements, it gave me the chance to be hands-on, apply what I was learning in real-life situations, and build my confidence in practice.

That combination of theory and experience made the course feel relevant, purposeful, and rewarding.

My biggest achievements whilst studying at Birmingham

One of my biggest achievements during the course was taking part in the elective to Saint Lucia.

It was an incredible opportunity that stretched me both personally and professionally, allowing me to lead mental health sessions and advocate within a different cultural context. Another highlight was being part of the university gospel choir and stepping into the role of musical director. That experience really helped build my confidence and leadership skills, while also keeping me connected to my faith and a supportive community.

On a more personal level, a big achievement for me was stepping out of my comfort zone. I've always been a naturally anxious person and didn't enjoy socialising much, so I deliberately chose a university where I didn't know anyone. It was extremely difficult at first, but it pushed me to grow. Living on campus helped everyone's in the same boat and eager to connect, so I learned not to be afraid of putting myself out there. That decision shaped so much of who I am today.