Woman’s social work ban after ‘persistent’ failings

In one instance, she referred sexual abuser to volunteer at Beavers

A social worker whose behaviour placed vulnerable children at risk of harm on numerous occasions has been struck from the Scottish Social Services Council’s (SSSC) register.

A damning 11-page report by the SSSC listed 25 separate cases where Elizabeth West failed in her duty.

This included one instance where she referred a 16-year-old boy she was aware had sexually abused a seven-year-old boy to volunteer at the Beavers.

In light of the cases noted, the SSSC found her fitness to practise was impaired because of her “deficient professional practice”.

There was a pattern of “serious” behaviour which continued over a number of years, despite action taken by Angus Council to address it.

The report found West failed to assess the safety of three children living with their mother, who was in relationships with men known to criminal justice services.

The fact she did not carry out background checks on the mother’s new partners was described as failure of her “duty of care.”

She did not follow risk management procedures to monitor the safety of the three children, putting them at unnecessary risk of harm.

On or around December 12 2016, West referred a 16-year-old boy, referred to as HH in the report, who she was aware had sexually abused a seven-yearold boy, to volunteer at the Beavers.

The SSSC said: “By referring HH, who you knew to have sexually abused a young child, to volunteer at the Beavers, you failed to consider the risk management plan in place for HH to prevent HH from posing a risk of harm to others.”

West also neglected to record financial payments to a child’s family which may have had a detrimental impact on the assessment of the family’s needs. And by failing to carry out home visits, did not fulfil her professional responsibility to assess the suitability of the living situation of vulnerable children, placing them at risk of harm.

The findings show she did not liaise with and update colleagues, third parties and other professionals involved in the care and welfare of vulnerable children.

The report added: “Your behaviour fell well below the standards expected of a registered worker in your position.

“There is a persistent pattern of failings over a significant period of time.

“Given the pattern of behaviour, there is high likelihood of the deficient professional practice being repeated if you return to your role.

“If your behaviour was repeated this would place vulnerable young children at an acute risk of harm through failing to address child protection concerns in an appropriate way.

“The SSSC considers a removal order is the most appropriate sanction.”

West accepted the removal order on February 8 2018. The notice came into effect on March 10.

An Angus Council spokesman said: “We note the decision of the report and can confirm the individual is no longer employed by Angus Council.”

Your behaviour fell well below the standards expected of a registered worker in your position