GSCC admonishes North Lincolnshire social worker for hugging

The General Social Care Council has admonished Stephen Thompson, a social worker for 24 years, for breaching its code of practice.

Thompson, who works in a mental health team at North Lincolnshire Council, was found to have engaged in inappropriate relationships with service users.

He admitted hugging two female service users but denied his behaviour had been sexual, telling the hearing he had been “misguided and naïve”. The council had given Thompson a final written warning for his behaviour.

He attended the hearing and was represented.

The admonishment will last for five years.