Former Gloucestershire social worker gets caution

An ex-social worker who had to be sent home early from a residential course after complaints from female colleagues has been found guilty of misconduct.

A professional tribunal said that David Holder should have a caution placed on his work record over his behaviour when on a course in an Exeter hotel in 2007.

Colleagues said Mr Holder had tried to get into a woman’s room and called Forest of Dean residents “inbred”.

The Gloucestershire social worker has since retired.

Mr Holder denied seven charges including claims he made inappropriate remarks to a female tutor on the course and attempted to get into the room of another female colleague.

However, the General Social Care Council (GCSC) hearing in London found the charges proved and said Mr Holder was “intimidating” and not a reliable witness.

The GCSC ordered that the caution remain on Mr Holder’s professional record for three years.