Summer of success: 2024
Since my last blog post back in May (how time flies!), I’ve had several successes over the summer period.
Three notable ones concerned two different regulators: SWE and the HCPC.
My clients span several professions, including social workers, paramedics and radiographers, and it was professionals from those last three who obtained fantastic results recently.
Firstly, a social worker with a very difficult situation to manage. We cannot choose our relatives, and unfortunately for this social worker, a close relative had been involved in child sex offences. The social worker was criticised for their continuing familial relationship with their relative, despite that relationship being managed in accordance with probation and local authority input. A referral to SWE followed; but after a robust defence was submitted by us, the Case Examiners concluded that there was no case to answer.
Secondly, a radiographer accused of inappropriate behaviour to a student radiographer, failing to record consent and not respecting a service user’s dignity. Again, we made robust submissions at an early stage, and as a result the Investigating Committee panel determined that there was no case to answer.
Finally, yesterday I received notification from the HCPC about a paramedic client, accused of dishonestly working for two employers during the pandemic. Earlier in this client’s case, we had made detailed arguments as to why the allegations could not succeed, and the Investigating Committee panel had then asked the HCPC investigator to obtain more evidence from the NHS ex-employer. On receipt of that further evidence, the investigator amended the charges and invited us to respond. We did so, in a further detailed submission, and the notification yesterday informed us that our client had been fully vindicated with a comprehensive no case to answer decision from the Investigating Committee panel. In fact, the panel concluded that not only was there no evidence of dishonesty, but it could equally have been said that the registrant was seeking to assist the NHS effort by working as hard as he was able in pandemic conditions!
This client was so happy he left an amazing testimonial for me - encouraging others to do exactly what I recommend: take early advice, don’t deal with cases without assistance, and surround yourself with friends and family to support you through the long months of investigation.
