complaint against social worker

[dermo]

the carer of a client has made a complaint against me via a third party. i have not been suspended. if it does not become a formal complaint what are the potential outcomes? is a verbal warning a possible outcome and willi t affect my registration?.

[username44]

I don't know about the social work employment legalities at all or even if they differ from any other employment but I do know what its like to ask for help and watch viewers on the post but get no replies.

 

I suppose your answer depends on the seriousness and validity of the claim.

I don't really see how a complaint can be treated seriously when it has come from a third party - unless the 3rd party is unable to communicate for any reason?

Social work seems to be really up against it at the moment with unmanageable caseloads and low morale. Have you talked about this incident during supervision? Or with your senior?

You read 'worried' so if you are a member of a union, speak to them. They should be able to offer you the specialist advice that you need.

[dermo]

many thanks. i will know the full nature of the complaint tomorrow.i have not been suspended so hope that that shows that it is deemed as less serious.

[whitecraig_wizard]

It doesn't matter how the complaint arrives, either from the individual or via a 3rd party, say an advocate. If an alligation is made it has to be investigated, assuming that the individual concerned is a vulnerable adult; otherwise you're talking cover up. Even though there maybe no formal complaint it doesn't preclude any duty upon your employer to investigate.Your terms of service will detail what the correct procedure to be followed is, if you are a member of a union contact them immediately and makes sure someone you trust attends any meeting with you. I would also keep notes of what everyone says.It is no fun being under suspicion of something you haven't done, sometimes mistakes get made, misunderstandings happen and even bare faced lies occur.Whatever happens, best wishes.

[devvzje]

Really it would all come down to the seriousness of the complaint and at the digression of management. From personal experience(Not in the same field) If you are friendly and in good standing with the management of the organisation the risks of suspension are alot less. But if the complains is serious and an investigation is needed then most likely suspension will be the only choice they will have. Most likely with full or half pay. It's a hard think to measure with not alot of information about it which I know you most likely do not want to divulge online.

 

Helpful link bellow;

 

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:byXJhLbgCQIJ:www.gscc.org.uk/cmsFiles/Conduct/PUBLIC%2520Guidance%2520on%2520Complaints%2520updated%252003.12.08.doc+&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgfTrw1vedD9sG9xUZdm6MRwu1X8eiIuW2MNFdIgIZip7OH51AivAEAx2VSt9uz4Clc6TR5vlXgdaGPGmwJX3h2tPerPQGEaNFVkvWG9-BlHl_zdk7bmM_vzRa8BG55WgGM95_U&sig=AHIEtbQmqLON6nhahYlvJNfFb6T1xepTfw&pli=1

 

I know this is for making a complain but there is some helpful information for your perspective on page 4.

[username44]

Hi dermo

 

Hope it went ok for you today?

[dermo]

not really. a list of allegations from a carer relating to improper conduct. some are true ie i told her where i live etc but the more serious ones which implies blurred boundaries are not. i have not been suspended but have been moved to a team dealing with admin. does the fact thati have not been suspended have any weight? i think the outcomes are either verbal warning, written warning or dismissal. i am mid divorce and have a contact order for my kids. this will mean i am homeless and lose my car (work car) and thus my children.

[username44]

Dermo,

 

Have you contacted your union or BASW yet? Not only is this your best approach but probably the only appropriate approach.

You obviously have a lot depending on the outcome of this complaint and are understandably stressed by it, but any complaint needs to be investigated and should follow an ordered process. Have your managers outlined the process for you?

http://www.gscc.org.uk/page/42/The+conduct+process.html

I think the advice give by whitecraig_wizard is good advice - get somebody you trust from a union or legal to accompany you to each meeting, take notes of everything that is said and be honest in your account of the situation.

This link is to the GSCC's conduct archive of cases and the decisions made. You can't for obvious reasons put any detail on your particular situation on a public board but perhaps reading through these cases will offer you some insight into the potential outcome. http://www.gscc.org.uk/page/108/Hearings+archive.html

 

I hope this helps somewhat and that you are able to concentrate on the problem as it is now, without panicking on what may happen in the future regarding your children. You really need to take specialist advice on this situation and I wish you well.

[dermo]

thanks everyone for advice. i came out of the union three months ago as i am going through a bitter divorce (contact order etc) and am skint. stupid ii know but i am heavily in debt and struggle to buy stuff for my kids.

 

i got a phone call friday and it is not going to a disciplinary. i saw my boss today and went through the complainants statement. i am accepting some of it though not all. i am to get a written warning and will face disciplinary if there is a repeat. i am being told that i can go back to my original workplace.

 

i will sound a bit paranoid but this whole thing has freaked me. can they reverse this decision at any point? my fear is that the complainant if dissatisfied with the outcome will go to the gcsc. quite frankly i could not take the strain. it may be of course that she is happy with the outcome and lets the matter lie. as far as i am aware the gcsc can investigate historical allegations so even if i get back to my usual work feels like its hanging over me.