Reporting Poor Practice
Poor social workers put vulnerable people at risk. That doesn’t really need a genius to determine, but the Local Government Chronicle reports that these practitioners are not being reported to the GSCC (General Social Care Council) and thus are able to continue to practice.
Indeed, the journal reports that the head of the GSCC, Rosie Varley, has written to all the local authorities encouraging them to refer more poor practitioners to the GSCC
In the letter, Ms Varley will urge directors of children’s and adults’ services to be more proactive about reporting cases, expressing fear that a climate of silence could expose other authorities — and service users — to risk.
Last year, 35 social workers were struck off the GSCC register , while eight were suspended, and 23 ‘admonished’ with a black mark next to their name for up to five years.
However, the GSCC believes councils are not reporting all of the cases they should
I expect it’s easy to see her point. An example given is that of Baby P where the paediatrician involved had been reported to the GMC (General Medical Council) whereas there was a delay until after the court case had taken place and the media spotlight had been turned on Haringey before the action was taken to refer the social workers involved to the GSCC.
Regulatory bodies need to be able to regulate but I’m not sure how much it is their role to tout for trade.
The GSCC is a relatively new body dating from 2001 and is trying to establish some credibility. It is unsurprising that the GMC, which was established in 1858 has better processes in place for taking referrals.
I think the GSCC has a long way to go in established credibility to be honest and can come across at times as an unloved child jumping up and down in a desperate attempt to gain attention. Personally, I think they could have done far better in fixing some of the mishmash of post-qualification training but perhaps this is an attempt to be a bit more proactive.
Ultimately better and safer practice has to be a good thing all round.
Posted on April 16, 2009, in work and tagged General Social Care Council, gscc., local government, local government chronicle, London Borough of Haringey, Rosie Varley, social work, social worker, social workers. Bookmark the permalink. Comments Off.
