20 July 2007
A Conduct Committee of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) on 19 July 2007 decided the case of a social worker from Taunton who was alleged to have breached the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers.
Misconduct was found against the registrant, Mr Adrian Corby. Mr Corby admitted he used his computer at work to access a number of pornographic images and it was a breach of Somerset County Council's Code of Practice on the use of electronic mail and the internet.
The Committee took into account the seriousness of the proven misconduct and the significant impact of Mr Corby's actions on public trust and confidence in social care services and the maintenance of high standards within the social care profession.
In particular, the Committee considered the period of time over which misconduct took place and the number of occasions that Mr Corby deliberately accessed pornographic material.
In light of the above, the Committee noted that there was no evidence of harm to service users and Mr Corby had insight into his own failings and had taken time to reflect on his actions.
An admonishment was placed on his entry to the register for a period of five years.
Registrants have a right of appeal to the independent Care Standards Tribunal.
GSCC 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 abuse as set out in our Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers and Employers. All Registered Social Workers sign up to the codes of practice when they register with the GSCC.
"Social workers working with vulnerable children essentially should be trustworthy and of good character. 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 vulnerable people."
Admonishment by the GSCC amounts to a caution and public record. The decision follows a one day Conduct Committee hearing in London.
