Social Worker Admonished Following Conduct Hearing In London

A Conduct Committee of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) has decided the case of a social worker from Barrow-in-Furness who was alleged to have breached the code of practice for social care workers by failing to declare previous criminal convictions and a police caution when completing the Application Form for Qualified Social Workers for registration with the GSCC.

Misconduct was found against the Registrant, Mr Steven McGarry.  The Committee recognised that failure to disclose was a serious matter.  It took into account the historic nature of the convictions and the fact that dishonesty had not been alleged. 

It noted evidence, given at the hearing, that the Registrant had continued to practice as an effective social worker.  It also noted the Registrant’s expression of regret and his apology to the Committee.  

The Committee was mindful of the importance of maintaining confidence in social workers and the service they provide.

Having taken these matters into account, the registrant was admonished, with a record of the admonishment to be placed on his entry in the Social Care Register for a period of one year. Registrants have a right of appeal to the independent Care Standards Tribunal.

GSCC Chair Rodney Brooke said: “Social workers have a duty to act appropriately at all times, respecting the rights of service users and protecting them from abuse as set out in our Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers and Employers. All Registered Social Workers sign up to the codes of practice when they register with the GSCC.

“Social workers working with vulnerable children essentially should be trustworthy and of good character.  The GSCC exists to promote high standards among social care workers and can take action against those who do not meet the standards laid down in the codes of practice. At the same time, we applaud the many thousands of social care workers who meet those standards and do so much to help vulnerable people.”

Admonishment by the GSCC amounts to a caution and public record. The decision follows a one day Conduct Committee hearing in London.