The Aberdeen Law Project (“ALP”) successfully disproved all eight allegations of misconduct made against their client in a SSSC hearing.
The SSSC are the regulator for social work and care in Scotland. In the fitness to practise process, the SSSC will investigate whether a registered worker’s fitness to practise in the social care sector has been impaired. Lead advisor Natalia Lastowska and the team at ALP guided the client through the SSSC fitness to practise process and gave oral submissions at the hearing. Over a period of two weeks, Natalia and the team carried out eight witness cross-examinations and four examinations in-chief to demonstrate the unreliability and contradictory nature of the allegations.
A total of six allegations were disproved in the findings of fact stage, with the remaining two allegations disproved in the latter impairment stage. This outcome meant that the client could return to employment in the social care sector with no restrictions on her registration.
The client said: “The Aberdeen Law Project gave me hope. They were everything you could ever hope your legal representative would be. Diligent, professional, approachable, warm, supportive, caring, intelligent, holistic, and THERE. They were there! Amy was there, Natalia was there. Everyone… There, to support and help when I needed It. And I can’t thank them enough.
“It had been a very long time since someone - in relation to the case - had shown me such humanity and kindness.”
Lead advisor, Natalia said: “While disproving eight allegations of sexual misconduct was one of the most challenging experiences I have yet to encounter, it was all worth while when all of the allegations were disproved, enabling the client to return to work following a two-year suspension. It was very rewarding to hear that the client felt as though she had a voice and support throughout the process.”
If you are facing a similar investigation or hearing and cannot afford a solicitor, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential conversation to see if we can help. If we are unable to act on your behalf, we will endeavour to recommend another organisation or law firm that is able to assist you. Please contact us by phone (01224 272 434) or by email (representation@abdnlawproject.com).
ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
