Social worker sent inappropriate text to service user, conduct committee hears

A social worker who is fighting allegations that he formed inappropriate relationships with service users sent a text message to a client saying he had lined up some “top-totty” for him.

In a statement read to the General Social Care Council’s conduct committee, which is sitting in Birmingham this week, a service user, known as C, described a message he received from Eric Charlesworth.

It read: “Still enjoyin my Saga hols visiting commode factories. The senorita I lined up 4 u can’t wait any longa. She’s top totty. I’ve stood in 4 u once but she wants the real thing – u. says not the same makin luv 2 ur foto on my mobile. Ney mind. I’ll keep her on the boil 4 u. don’t work 2 ard. Miss our wed nights keep happy. Will ring u on sun. Don’t starv. C u soon respecte.”

Charlesworth, an agency social worker, was working in an integrated mental health team and employed by Warwickshire county council, when he is alleged to have engaged inappropriately with C and another service user, known as B.

He does not deny sending the message but claims that it was not intended for 22-year-old C.

Earlier on in the hearing Charlesworth, who has yet to give evidence, admitted stroking B’s hair while he was asleep but denied his actions were inappropriate.

The incident came to light when 17-year-old B told his mother about it and another occasion when the social worker had measured his chest. She told a colleague of Charlesworth.

An investigation was launched but could not be completed because B refused to discuss the allegations. The council informed Charlesworth that a complaint had been made against him but did not disclose its nature.

He was suspended and his contract was not renewed. The council alleges that Charlesworth failed to comply with repeated instructions that he should end contact with its service users and continued to provide therapy for no payment and on a private basis with C after his contract had been terminated.

The council then complained to the GSCC. If the committee finds the allegations to be true, Charlesworth will be guilty of breaching five of the GSCC’s codes of practice.