Essex social worker struck off over service user risk

Social worker Gloria Foster has been struck off the HCPC Register for repeated failings amounting to misconduct whilst employed by Essex County Council.

A panel of the HCPC Conduct and Competence Committee heard that Mrs Foster’s failure to take appropriate action, as well as delays in carrying out and recording statutory child protection visits, created increased risk of harm for children and service users.

The Panel further heard that following a complaint against her from a service user in February 2013, subsequent disciplinary proceedings resulted in Mrs Foster being dismissed from her employment at Essex County Council in June 2013.

Panel Chair Brian Wroe commented: “Mrs Foster was a social worker of 18 years’ service. She knew the expectations on her as a member of a statutory children’s services team.

“Each of the allegations amounts to misconduct, not a lack of competence. Gloria Elaine Foster was an experienced social worker and the Panel takes the view that her failings are not a result of a lack of ability, training or development.”

The Panel decided the most appropriate and proportionate conclusion was to strike Mrs Foster from the Register.

She was not present or represented at the hearing.