GSCC: Caution for social worker who took new job while on leave

An Islington Council social worker who moonlighted at another London borough while on paid compassionate leave has been disciplined by the General Social Care Council.

Adesola Adeniji-Smith, 38, was given a two-year admonishment by a GSCC conduct committee after she was found to have breached the code of practice for dishonesty.

The panel heard that Adeniji-Smith had attended a job interview with Kensington and Chelsea Council while on paid compassionate leave from Islington Council, her contracted employer, following the death of her mother.

She was then accused of commencing work at Kensington and Chelsea on 20 June 2005 without informing either council.

The panel said that Adeniji-Smith had not been trustworthy and had failed to be honest and open with her colleagues. However, it acknowledged that she was bereaved at the time and that she had alleged difficulties with workmates at Islington. In addition her remorse at her actions was taken into account.

The ruling means Adeniji-Smith’s entry on the social care register will be marked with a caution for two years.

Related articles

Do practitioners know the limits of inappropriate behaviour

Student social worker receives admonishment for downloading porn

Regulator wants social workers to prove they have learned lessons

The GSCC conduct reviews: what the experts thinks

Expert guide to the conduct system