Social Worker Removed Following Conduct Hearing In London

A Conduct Committee of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) on 29 November 2007 decided the case of a social worker from Witney who was alleged to have breached the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers.

Misconduct was found against the registrant, Mr Geoffrey Casey, and he was removed from the Social Care Register.

The Committee found misconduct against Mr Casey for anonymously making false allegations to Crimestoppers, the NSPCC and social services about Mr and Mrs A.

The Committee considered the misconduct to be of a serious nature, taking into account the range of unsubstantiated allegations made, the period of time over which the allegations were made and maintained, and the number of agencies involved. The Committee noted that misconduct was exacerbated by the serious effects on Mr and Mrs A.

The Conduct Committee took into consideration the registrant’s practice in social care for a period of over 20 years and noted that he had no previous disciplinary record with the GSCC. However, the Committee noted that there was no clear evidence of insight, apology or remorse demonstrated by Mr Casey in relation to his actions.

The Committee was concerned that the registrant’s actions were a serious failure of his judgement as a professional person. In the Committee’s view, these factors increase the risk of repetition, risk to the public and to the reputation and confidence in the profession if he were to remain on the register.

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. All Registered Social Workers sign up to the codes of practice when they register with the GSCC.

“Social workers 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.”

Removal from the register means that the registrant will not be able to practice as a social worker. The decision follows a three day Conduct Committee hearing in London.