Saddened to hear of this deeply sad story. SWE have proved to be inadequate with Manager I worked with in North London. He was Subject FtP on domestic abuse Grounds over many years to a female partner. Received a three year warning no condition of practise. Returned to LA job to lead an all female team and head up Safeguarding investigations including Domestic Abuse. I raised concerns with Directorate and was made to feel I was the problem. I held my ground and they have removed him from his role but still employ him. SWE are flawed without question!

It says

“In relation to Social Work England, the tribunal concluded that its “prolonged investigation” was unwanted, related to Ms Meade’s protected belief and “created an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for her”. As such, this constituted harassment.

It also found that Ms Meade felt under “significant duress” when she agreed to accept a sanction from Social Work England in July 2021 and feared that if she did not, a fitness to practise hearing would follow, which could lead to a more serious outcome. It concluded that she felt subject to an intimidating and hostile environment, which was also sufficient to constitute harassment.”

SWE are not fit for practice. I pay my subscription for what exactly?????

The bottom lines then it seems,
1 – SWE as a regulatory body is quite effective whether in its intended/unintended outcomes – Instilling fear, dread and serving as a strong deterent for any potential referrals.
2 – Is open to misuse (across the board, in all the all stages, by all who understands the machinery) in relation to concerns about social workers.
3 – In the vast majority of referrals, a procedure which concludes the majority of cases not meeting threshold of ‘seriousness’.
4 – Deeply affects every one involved, and by its own research, remains particular targeted to certain demographic groups.

Current cc survey shows only 5% of poll responders in favour of its 33% fee increase. It would be intersting to know if the majority 95% respondees are from FTp or across all registrants.

Following the 12 months after I had been informed of the complaint SWE decided to conduct an investigation. This took a further 17 months during which there were no restrictions placed on my practise. The conclusion was that there was no evidence to justify the parental complaint. In total then from complaint being made to the conclusion of the investigation a total of some 2 years and 7 months.

I chose to leave the profession

It remains worrying feature for professionals who have been waiting for sometime (eg years) to still be without resolutions. I have said elswhere that it would be difficult to maintain in practice or in the same sector environment whilst going through such process without potentially impacting your performance, health and wellbeing. I have not mentioned financially nor other aspects with sector career options and choices.

‘Rather Not Say’ – has commented about the functional failures of the regulatory bodies in safeguarding during transitioning (HCPC – SWE) because of bureacracy.

If any of this applies, these would be some of my salient advice:
1 – if you are committed to the values of ‘social work’ – maintain in self responsibility and integrity.
2 – if you are capable – maintain where possible self credibility by completing own CPDs relevant to your sector experiences
3 – if you can afford, pay the fees. if you cannot afford, raise actively with your trade union. It is possible your fees can be claimed back in self assessment tax. The issue is currently live and being discussed re SWE 33% fee increase
4 – Maintain your registration. Use the FtP process carefully and wisely while you are waiting for resolution and exploring next moves.
5 – If you have left the profession – Depending on life stage and reasons, use this time to keep up your health, transfer your skills in a relevant and/or rewarding sector. SWs surprisingly, are on comparitive good salaries, but it comes with cost.