This chapter looks to social work, the future and the next pandemic. Just as COVID-19 was not the only health emergency this century, the next one will follow, perhaps sooner than we expect given the neglect of the planet and worsening ecological and social conditions globally. Social workers must learn lessons from this and past pandemics and recognise the expertise we offer. This chapter addresses preparedness and response at multiple levels, social work's expertise, capacities for self-examination and, importantly, leadership that will take us into the future.