The independent conduct committee of the GSCC yesterday (14 June 2006) decided the case of a social worker from Halesowen who was alleged to have breached the codes of practice by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a service user.
Misconduct was found against the registrant, Anthony Jacks, and he was removed from the Social Care Register.
It was the Committee’s view that, in the circumstances, the removal of Mr Jacks’ registration was the only appropriate sanction in order to protect the public and maintain the public’s confidence in social care services.
Registrants have a right of appeal to the independent Care Standards Tribunal.
General Social Care Council Chair, Rodney Brooke said:
“Social workers have a duty to act appropriately at all times, respecting the rights of service users and protecting them from harm as set out in our Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. All Registered Social Workers sign up to the code of practice when they register with the GSCC.
“Social workers work with people who are often vulnerable It is unacceptable for a social worker to abuse the trust placed in them by discriminating against an individual, putting them at unnecessary risk or forming an inappropriate personal relationship. The GSCC exists to promote high standards among social care workers and can take action against those who do not meet the standards laid down in the codes of practice. At the same time, we applaud the many thousands of social care workers who meet those standards and do so much to help the people in their care.”
The decision follows a three day hearing by the independent conduct committee in Manchester into allegations that the registrant engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a service user. The hearing was held in public. Being removed from the register means that the person will not be able to work as a social worker.
Notes to editors
1. Media contact details:
Nicky Edwards: 020 7397 5831
Out of hours: 07771 914 481
Registration helpline: 0845 070 0630
2. More than 73,000 social workers are on the Social Care Register maintained by the GSCC. The register is public and accessible on the GSCC’s website www.gscc.org.uk
3. The Conduct Committee is made up of three to five members, who have interest and expertise in the social care sector but take decisions in the public interest. The Committee has a lay majority and is independent of the GSCC. Cases come to the Conduct Committee only after evidence has been investigated and there is an allegation which calls into question the registrant’s suitability to be in the workforce. Options open to the Committee include cautions, suspension from the register, no action or removal of the registrant from the Social Care Register. Registrants have a right of appeal to the Care Standards Tribunal.
4. The General Social Care Council is the regulator of the social care workforce in England set up to promote high standards in social care and to protect the public. All social workers need to be registered with the GSCC, meeting standards of training, suitability and commitment to high standards. They are accountable for maintaining high standards of conduct to the GSCC. Action can be taken against social workers who fall below these standards or who are not suitable to hold the responsibilities of being a social worker. Decisions are taken to protect the public interests and those of the 1.5 million people who use social care services.