Social worker struck off for sexual relationship with user

A social worker from Rochdale has been struck off the Social Care Register for sexual misconduct with two service users.

The conduct committee of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) ruled that Iftikhar Choudri had exploited the vulnerability of two women, who had “serious enduring mental health problems”, at a hearing last Friday.

The committee heard during the four-day hearing in London that Choudri had a sexual relationship with Ms X after their professional relationship ended. Despite the relationship being consensual, the committee found that Choudri demonstrated no remorse for his actions.  

As well as sharing intimate details of his personal life with Ms X, Choudri also made inappropriate comments to her and another service user, Ms Y.

The committee ruled that Choudri should not be able to practice as a social worker because he “failed to understand and work within appropriate professional boundaries” and “abused the power given to him by his professional position”.

GSCC chair Rodney Brooke said: “Social workers have a duty to act appropriately at all times, respecting the rights of people who use services and protecting them from abuse as set out in our codes of practice for social care workers and employers.”

More information

General Social Care Council

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