Cocaine user allowed to remain on social care register

A children's social worker sacked by Manchester Council for possession of cocaine has been allowed to remain on the social care register. Niamh Duignan...

A children’s social worker sacked by Manchester Council for possession of cocaine has been allowed to remain on the social care register.

Niamh Duignan was arrested following her attendance at a party in May 2009 organised by the local police.

She was given a two-year conditional discharge at Chester Crown Court in February this year after being convicted of possessing a class A drug, having already been dismissed by her employer.

At a hearing in London, a conduct committee of the General Social Care Council considered whether her behaviour brought into question Duignan’s suitability to continue practising.

The panel took into account a frank apology from Duignan, who explained she had previously sought “limited” use of cocaine as a recreational drug, and they decided there was no risk to the public or service users.

Having also seen references from two managers, which suggested that she should be allowed to remain on the register, the committee handed the practitioner a two-year admonishment.

Related articles

Manchester Council sacks social worker after cocaine arrest

Manchester social workers disciplined over drug allegations

More from Community Care

Comments are closed.