Social worker admonished for accessing porn at work

A Somerset social worker has been found guilty of misconduct after admitting using his work computer to access pornographic images.

The General Social Care Council admonished Adrian Corby, from Taunton, after taking into account the “significant impact” of his actions on public trust and confidence in social care services and the maintenance of high standards within the profession.

But the GSCC found there was no evidence of harm to service users and decided Corby, who also breached Somerset County Council’s code of practice on the use of email and the internet, had “insight into his own failings and had taken time to reflect on his actions.”

The admonishment, which amounts to a caution and public record, will be placed on his entry to the GSCC’s social work register for a period of five years.

GSCC chair Rodney Brooke said: “Social workers working with vulnerable children essentially should be trustworthy and of good character.  The GSCC exists to promote high standards among social care workers and can take action against those who do not meet the standards laid down in the codes of practice. At the same time, we applaud the many thousands of social care workers who meet those standards and do so much to help vulnerable people.”

Related information

Newcastle social worker admonished by GSCC

GSCC cautions London social worker