Social Care News

10th September 2010

Care staff views sought on professional misconduct rules

Care staff and social workers are to be asked for their views on new proposals for dealing with professional misconduct.

The Care Council for Wales is consulting with registered practitioners and others on new proposals to streamline and refine the ways in which the regulatory body deals with cases of alleged professional misconduct.

It is asking for the views of social workers and registered social care workers on plans which will include adding to the possible sanctions imposed on practitioners found guilty of misconduct and simplifying how cases are dealt with.

As part of the 12-week public consultation which began on September 6, the Care Council is also seeking the opinions of those people who use the services provided by the workers it regulates.

The proposals aim to provide improved protection for members of the public and fairness for workers. The emphasis is on improving practice, raising standards and helping staff to resolve work-based issues and prevent future occurrences.

Rhian Huws Williams, Care Council for Wales' chief executive, said: "The review of our conduct processes provides the opportunity to ensure that they are effective and fit for purpose.

 "The proposals reflect the experience of running the current procedures over the past six years and are designed to benefit all parties concerned, to streamline current procedures while ensuring we continue to have in place a robust and fair process."

Comments can be submitted to the Care Council about its proposals via its website, http://www.ccwales.org.uk/your-voice/consultation/current