Clydebank children’s home worker accused of ‘misconduct’

A SOCIAL worker who was responsible for the welfare of some of Clydebank’s most vulnerable children is facing serious allegations of misconduct.

Margaret Ann Gribbon is accused of failures relating to health and safety, financial management and staff management in her role as deputy manager of Ramsay House Care Home.

She also allegedly breached her employer’s Dignity at Work Policy.

As well as the misconduct claims, Ms Gribbon stands accused of 12 breaches of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Code of Practice, which include not informing her employer where her colleagues’ actions may have been unsafe or adversely affecting standards of care, and not being trustworthy and honest.

Ms Gribbon will appear before a conduct sub-committee hearing being held by the SSSC next week over the allegations and could face disciplinary action.

The other alleged breaches of the SSSC Code of Practice include not complying with her employer’s health and safety policies, including those relating to substance abuse, and not following established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice.

Ms Gribbon, who is registered with the SSSC as a social worker, is also believed to have not responsibly used the power that came with her role and she is accused of not keeping clear records or treating colleagues with respect.

It is believed that Ms Gribbon is no longer a member of staff at the Dalmuir children’s home although West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) would not confirm when she worked there, or why she left.

If she is found to have engaged in misconduct then she could be struck off the SSSC’s register.

Catherine Watt, who was manager of Ramsay House care home, was struck off the register in June after a conduct sub-committee found she committed misconduct.

She failed to carry out her duties as a residential child care manager, including failures relating to health and safety, financial management and staff management.

She also breached her employer’s Dignity at Work Policy and obtained a management qualification by deceit.

A spokeswoman for WDC said: “All employees of the council, including social workers, have a duty to act appropriately at all times by respecting and protecting the rights of services users and fellow colleagues.

“West Dunbartonshire Council’s Social Work Services has recently been inspected by the Social Work Inspection Agency, which found the council is valued by service users and inspectors were impressed by the range of initiatives being provided by the council and its partners. The council will continue to promote the high standards expected of all staff and will take immediate action against any members of staff that brings the council into disrepute.”