Earlier this year we won our first ever case against someone falsely using the legally protected title ‘social worker’. A woman was convicted and fined for the offence of holding herself out as a social worker with intent to deceive, which is a criminal offence under Section 61 Care Standards Act 2000, when neither qualified nor registered as such. We have taken prosecutions forward in the past but this was the first one to be successful.

The defendant had worked for a fostering agency as an unqualified social work assistant. During the course of her employment she gave references for two former colleagues where she stated that she was a senior supervising social worker and their line manager. She also obtained a reference from a social work student in which the defendant was referred to as a supervising social worker. This was done in order to secure employment for herself and others.

She pleaded guilty and received a fine for £230 by the court. The case, which was heard at Harrow Magistrates, was extensively covered in the media including articles in the Guardian, Community Care, Law Gazette, Harrow Times and other regional media. We aim to investigate those individuals who deliberately misuse the title rather than those who may have done so accidentally. There has been an intensive focus through the work of the Social Work Reform Board on the professionalisation of social work, and cases like this are key to this process.

Penny Thompson, Chief Executive of the General Social Care Council said: “It is important that the public has faith that someone who uses the title ‘social worker’ is qualified, trained and adheres to high professional standards. This outcome demonstrates that there are consequences for anyone trying to abuse public trust by deliberately misleading others about their professional status."

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I quite agree with all the comments made. This 'fine' is hardly a deterrant. Its not a punishment, some may now consider it a risk worth taking. For someone to do this in fostering/childrens services - a very vulnerable area, the punishment should be more severe.

Cristina
21 Sep 2011

Whilst l am pleased that this prosecution has taken place, l do feel that the punishment imposed of a paultry £230 fine is quite laughable. It is a serious deception to pass yourself off as a professional whether for financial gain, career progression or more worryingly access to vulnerable people. I wonder if it would have been dealt with so lightly if she had impersonated a police officer?

Lesley
13 Sep 2011

I agree with some of the comments below that the defendant should have received a custodial sentence. this is absolutely ridiculous. I trained hard for three years before I was given the title of Social Worker, I don't think its fair that someone comes along and takes it so lightly.

Iqra
12 Sep 2011

I think she should have gone to prison. Why on earth should she be allowed to impersonate a professional who has access to vulnerable people and not face a proper punishement. If she were impersonating anurse or a police officer would a small fine have been acceptable?

Ann Shaw
09 Sep 2011

How was she vetted and who employed her? What does this say about their standards and what action has been taken against their practice? I assume she was employed without any reference to the GSSC register? The fine is feeble and an insult to qualified social workers. Is the pathetic penalty also a reflection of how the courts judge the worth of the qualification?

Angela Warren
08 Sep 2011