Social Worker Admonished Following Conduct Hearing

A Conduct Committee of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) on 24 August 2007 decided the case of a social worker from Portsmouth who was alleged to have breached the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers.

Misconduct was found against the registrant, Ms Rosemary Arnold. Ms Arnold was convicted of a serious dangerous driving offence in which a 12 month driving ban, community service hours and costs were awarded against her. The Committee found this clearly called into question public trust and confidence in social care services.

The Committee considered the exceptional stresses encountered by the registrant prior to the dangerous driving incident and the serious effect these had on her health. Ms Arnold’s efforts to re-establish herself as a social worker were also noted.

The Committee also took into account that the misconduct appeared to be an isolated incident without premeditation and, on the basis of the evidence received, is unlikely to reoccur. The misconduct raised no issue in relation to the protection of services users and the public in general.

An admonishment was placed on Ms Arnold’s entry to the register until 1 August 2008. 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 people 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 two day Conduct Committee hearing in London.