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Investigating complaints

The investigation process

When the SSSC receives a complaint that appears to suggest that a registrant has done something or failed to do something, that is sufficiently serious to call into question their suitability to remain on the Register we will begin an investigation. 

A conduct case officer will be assigned to each individual case and will first try to identify whether the matter is already being investigated by a relevant employer, the police, or other agency.  If this is the case we may defer our investigation until other relevant investigations are concluded.

The process of investigating information is a formal one.  It is important that the registrant responds to the SSSC's requests for information within specified timescales.  If the registrant wants their trade union, professional body or solicitor to represent them during an investigation they should let the conduct case officer know that in writing so that we know that we  may copy relevant documentation to the relevant representative.

How long does an investigation process take?

This depends on the complexity and seriousness of the case.  We will work hard to complete the investigation as quickly and efficiently as possible.  However, the timescales can vary considerably as there can be delays in us receiving necessary information from other people and organisations. 

Outcomes of investigations

When conduct case officers have gathered necessary information about a case they will make a recommendation about further action to senior managers.  The options to senior managers are:

  • take no further action
  • refer the matter to a Screening Sub-committee (SSC) that will decide how the case will proceed
  • propose conditions on the registrant's registration
  • issue the registrant with a warning
  • refer the matter to the Conduct Sub-committee (CSC)
  • refer the matter to the Preliminary Proceedings Sub-committee (PPSC) for consideration of an Interim Suspension Order (ISO).

Detailed information about the investigation process can be found in the following document:

What happens when a complaint is made about a worker

 

Conduct Reports

The SSSC has published Protecting the Public, a conduct report about the SSSC's work in relation to initial and continued suitability for registration:

Click to download our Conduct Report for 2009/10

Conduct report 2009/2010
(282.67 kB)

Older reports

Registration and Conduct Rules

The Registration Rules explain how social service workers are placed on the Register. The Conduct Rules set down how we will investigate and hold hearings about allegations of misconduct against registrants.

Please click to view the Registration Rules and Conduct Rules.

Sanctions Guidance

This guidance aims to assist Conduct Sub-committees in deciding which sanction to impose on a finding of misconduct and assists Preliminary Proceedings Sub-committees when considering if an Interim Order should be imposed. The Guidance will apply to any case referred to a Conduct hearing or Preliminary Proceedings Sub-committee hearing from 27 March 2012.

Indicative Sanctions Guidance

For any case referred to a Conduct hearing or Preliminary Proceedings Sub-committee hearing before 27 March 2012, the previous Indicative Sanctions Guidance will apply.