A former Warrington Borough Council social worker has been disciplined by the profession’s regulatory body, the General Social Care Council (GSCC), for inviting a mother and her children into her home to conclude a formal meeting.

Ms Venetia Tsiaka, originally from Greece but living in Warrington at the time of the allegations, was found to have committed misconduct by an independent committee of the GSCC and issued with a three year admonishment, a caution set alongside her name on the public register.

The committee heard that on 31 March 2006, Tsiaka invited the child, her sister and mother into her then home address to continue a meeting after the original venue, had closed. They found that, by doing so, Tsiaka had placed herself and her clients in a vulnerable position and disregarded safe working practices. This was a breach of the code of practice that all social workers sign up to which says that social workers must not put themselves or others at unnecessary risk (5.7) and that they must meet relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way. (6.1)

Tsiaka, who was not present at the hearing and is now living in Greece, was cleared of additional allegations that she had inappropriate physical contact with the same child. In hearing the allegation, which was found not proven, the committee was told by the GSCC that there was never any suggestion that this was of a sexual nature.

Rosie Varley, Chair of the GSCC, said: “People who use services have a right to expect that their social worker is working in accordance with best practice and in a safe and effective way. The majority of social workers have no difficulty in doing this. For those that are not able to meet the standards required, it is vital that we address any issues and take necessary action to safeguard public confidence in social care services.’