Top Social Worker Fired After Aberdeenshire Fraud Probe

Aberdeenshire Council has sacked a senior social worker following an investigation into the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of goods earmarked for needy families and disabled children.

Jennifer Stephen lost her job as team manager in charge of children and families at Peterhead and now faces a further investigation by Grampian Police, the Press and Journal can reveal.

Mrs Stephen, who is in her mid-40s, was suspended by local authority bosses in October amid claims that she had been hoarding supplies originally ordered as temporary assistance for underprivileged and vulnerable locals.

As part of her role, she was responsible for spending council cash to assist local people in desperate financial situations.

As well as helping children living in near-poverty, Mrs Stephen had the power to order items and equipment to make life easier for youngsters with learning, physical or mental difficulties. Police are investigating claims that she ordered goods in the names of local families over several years and had them delivered directly to her home address.

Mrs Stephen lost her £37,000-a-year post after a three-month internal inquiry. It is understood she had been a team manager, based at Peterhead’s social services base in Windmill Street, for nearly a decade.

Last night, no one was available to discuss the case at Mrs Stephen’s home in Links Terrace, Peterhead.

A council spokesman said yesterday: “We can confirm a member of social work staff from Peterhead was dismissed, but a police investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further. We will assist police with their inquiries any way we can and we want to reassure the public we have taken appropriate action.”

The P&J understands only a handful of social service staff were made aware of the investigation. Even councillors in the Peterhead area, and local council leaders, were kept in the dark.

Police said they had received a report from Aberdeenshire Council and had started making inquiries.

A force spokesman said: “Police can confirm that they have received a report of an alleged fraud having occurred at a council premises on Windmill Street, Peterhead.

“Inquiries are at an early stage and we are unable to make further comment at this stage.”

Mrs Stephen was not allocated a budget to buy clothes and other items for needy families but, as part of her duties, she was asked to consider each case on its own merits.

YEARS

According to a source close to the investigation, Mrs Stephen is alleged to have spent as much as £100,000 in just three months.

It is claimed that the alleged fraud continued for a number of years.

He added: “Everyone who is aware of this investigation is just shocked. It’s hard to believe that anyone would do something like this.”

Staff at the local authority’s social services department declined to comment.

It is understood they have been told not to discuss the case with the public.

Mrs Stephen’s former job has now been advertised. Among the main tasks required are “decision-making on priorities for service” and “financial management and monitoring of devolved budgets”.