Carer warned after behaving in ‘sexually inappropriate way’
A NORTHERN Ireland social care worker who admitted behaving in a “sexually inappropriate way with a colleague” in a work setting has been sanctioned.
Rajesh Rajendran Nair’s “unwanted behaviour violated the dignity of his work colleague”, said the NI Social Care Council.
Nair admitted the misconduct which took place in June last year and has now been hit with a three-year warning order by the council.
In its published decision the council said: “On June 21, 2023, you, by your own admission, behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner with a work colleague within a work setting.”
The council said his conduct impaired his fitness to practise, adding: “Your colleague has the right to be treated with consideration and respect.
“Your behaviour undermines any consideration and respect for your colleague and directly conflicts with your responsibility to maintain an open and co-operative working relationship.”
In the consensual disposal decision published on May 2, the council did not reveal where Nair worked in Northern Ireland or the details of his sexually inappropriate behaviour, but it said: “Your unwanted behaviour violated the dignity of your work colleague and took place in a work setting.
“Your behaviour demonstrates a lack of insight into the main duties and responsibilities of your own role within the context of the organisation in which you worked.”
It said his behaviour also had the potential to undermine the public trust and confidence placed in social care services and fell below the standard expected of a person registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
In deciding on an appropriate sanction, the council said there were mitigating factors including that Nair had expressed regret over his sexually inappropriate behaviour and apologised.
It also said: “There is no evidence of any direct or indirect harm to service users.
“You have no previous record of misconduct with the council.
“You have engaged with the council and made early admissions in respect of your behaviour.”
But it said there were other factors including that his unwanted behaviour took place in a work setting.
The council added: “In your response to the council you are unable to provide a comprehensive account of your actions.
“Your behaviour undermines any consideration and respect for your colleague and directly conflicts with your responsibility to maintain an open and co-operative working relationship.”
The council said Nair had consented to the imposition of a warning on April 29, 2024.
“A record of the warning has been placed on your entry in the register for a period of three years and does not affect your ability to practise,” it said.
The Northern Ireland Social Care Council regulates workforce standards for social work and social care professionals.
It is a public body established by the Department of Health to support high-quality standards of social work and social care.