A Lanarkshire social care worker has been given a warning by the industry regulator over her conduct. Gemma Fleming received the reprimand, which will remain on her registration for three years, following an incident while working as a personal assistant.
Incident details
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found that in September 2024, while with two service users, Fleming argued with a colleague, referred to as ZZ in the report. When ZZ said a three-hour break was not possible, Fleming swore at her: 'who do you think you are telling me what to do'.
Fleming then shouted at ZZ in front of a member of the public: 'we will sort this when we get off the bus' and 'is that not your new pal, go and sit with her'. At a hotel restaurant, she told a waiter her meal was 'like a bowl of sick' and argued with a member of the public. She also threw a drink over ZZ, a supported person, and a member of the public.
SSSC findings
The SSSC report states: "While at work, supporting two individuals on a coach holiday, you were verbally abusive towards your colleague and members of the public on the trip. You were also physically abusive towards your colleague and threatened violence towards a member of the public. This behaviour took place in the presence of the two supported people and others."
The report added that Fleming's actions caused emotional harm to the supported people and had the potential to harm others, noting that as a registered worker she was expected to behave professionally and respectfully at all times.
Response and outcome
Fleming told the SSSC she felt bullied by her colleague and was at 'breaking point'. The SSSC acknowledged she had worked since without repeating such behaviour and had cooperated with the investigation. However, they concluded she showed "a significant lack of appreciation as to the seriousness of your actions" and that her behaviour "raises concerns about your character and values".
The report noted that members of the public reported the behaviour to her employer voluntarily, and one also referred the matter to the SSSC. It concluded there remains a risk of repetition if a similar situation arose.
