West Midlands social worker cautioned for neglect-child cruelty

Social worker Mrs Tsitsi Nhevera has been suspended from The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register for a period of 12 months after receiving a caution from West Midlands Police for neglect-child cruelty.

A Conduct and Competence Committee Panel heard that at the time of the incident which gave rise to the allegation, Tsitsi Nhevera provided social work services to Coventry City Council through an agency. On 11 April 2014 a police caution was administered to Mrs Nhevera in respect of the offence of neglect-child cruelty.

The Panel further heard that the caution was administered in respect of an offence that is very relevant to Mrs Nhevera’s work, given that her area of practice since qualifying has been in working with children.

Panel Chair Nicola Bastin commented: “In the absence of any contact from Tsitsi Nhevera, it is difficult to assess her level of regret or insight. The core of the allegation relates to a single event albeit serious. Mrs Nhevera’s actions will have served to reduce public confidence in the social work profession, but nevertheless the Panel is satisfied that her shortcoming could be remedied.”

The Panel decided the most appropriate sanction was to impose a 12 month suspension.

Ms Nhevera was not present or represented at the hearing.