Baby P: GSCC extends suspensions for ex-Haringey staff

Maria Ward and Gillie Christou barred from practice for six and nine months respectively

Mithran Samuel
Monday 08 June 2009 12:03
Baby Peter

General Social Care Council conduct panels have extended the suspensions of two social workers involved in the baby Peter case, who have already been sacked by Haringey Council.

Maria Ward, who was Peter's social worker, will be barred from practice until December, after her interim suspension order (ISO) was extended for six months, while her former manager, Gillie Christou, will be suspended until next March.

Both were suspended by the GSCC last December.

At any point during the course of the ISOs, the GSCC may decide there is sufficient evidence of misconduct to refer their cases to a full conduct hearing, which could see Ward and Christou barred from practice for life, formally suspended or cautioned.

If insufficient evidence of misconduct is found, the cases will be dropped.

In April, Haringey Council announced it had sacked Ward and Christou for gross misconduct, though last month it was revealed that Ward and Christou were appealing against the decision.

Related articles

Expert guide to the Baby P case

More information

GSCC conduct process

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