As social workers, there are several issues you need to be aware of in order to ensure you adhere to the code of conduct and ensure ethical practice in social work.
The General Social Care Council works to raise standards in social care, maintain a high level of protection to service users and ensure ethical practice in social work. Taking action when a registered social care worker breaches the codes of practice will mean better services for those using social care, and a better reputation for the sector.
Social workers have to be registered with the General Social Care Council and must adhere to codes of practice in order to ensure ethical practice in social work. Any social workers who breach the codes of practice could be removed from the social care register.
Have you ever been involved in a conduct process or had a close call?
If so, why not share your advice with your fellow social workers in our discussion forum.
Here are examples of where social workers have experienced the conduct process and been questioned about the social work code of ethics.
Fraud
Social worker struck off for catalogue of fraud
Social worker warned over tax fraud
Pornography
Social worker banned after child pornography conviction
Restraint
Social worker admonished for restraining child
Social worker cautioned by the General Social Care Council over failure to declare previous criminal convictions
GSCC issues five-year warning to social worker for misconduct
Absence procedures
Wiltshire worker guilty of misconduct
Alcohol
Social worker ‘smelled of alcohol at work,’ conduct committee hears
Texting/Emailing
Social worker accused of misconduct over ‘top totty’ mobile phone text
Social worker Eric Charlesworth reprimanded by General Social Care Council committee
Social worker removed from register for offensive emails
Letters, 24 July: Devon mismanagement, practice assessor conduct and cycling to see clients
24 July 2008
Letters from readers to Community Care 17 July 2008
16 July 2008
Social care workforce
30 June 2008
Do social workers have to like their clients?
26 June 2008
Jersey: Simon Bellwood 'unfairly sacked' inquiry finds
Councils failing to implement government guidance issued in 2002, study says
Lone parents, disabled and drug users face tougher benefits regime
Children's homes and disabled people's services exempt from strike
Government Legislation
17 July 2008
Private Member Bills
17 July 2008
Details of government consultations
11 July 2008