A social care worker in Kilmarnock has been sanctioned by the industry regulator for failing to follow a supported person's care plan and then trying to conceal it.
Sukhjeet Singh lifted a service user from a chair to a bed, but two members of staff should have been involved in the move. The manoeuvre should also have been carried out using a hoist.
Attempt to conceal failure
Singh also asked a colleague to state that she had helped move the person when she had not done so. According to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Singh acted "dishonestly" in seeking to "conceal" the failure to follow the employer's care plan.
The actions took place on or around March 22, 2025, while Singh was employed as a care assistant by HC-One Limited. The service user was identified only as 'AA' in the final SSSC report.
Warning and conditions imposed
In its decision notice, the SSSC placed a warning with conditions on Singh's continued registration for a period of three years.
The findings report stated: "Social service workers must meet the relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way.
"You (Singh) carried out support alone when you were aware that two people were required. Your actions placed yourself and 'AA' at risk of serious harm. You demonstrated poor judgement and bad decision making.
"Care plans are carefully risk assessed and put in place to protect both the supported individual and you as the worker. Failing to follow these guidelines placed you both at risk of injury."
Singh, who had a "previous good history" with the SSSC, was also criticised for lacking transparency.
Breach of trust
The SSSC report added: "Social service workers must be open and honest with employers and individuals when practice has or may have caused harm.
"You (Singh) have asked your colleague to state that they helped you in an attempt to conceal your failure to follow 'AA's care plan. Your actions were dishonest and have breached the trust and confidence placed in you.
"Your behaviour fell below the standards expected of a social service worker. Any repetition of the same or similar behaviour would raise public protection and public interest concerns and place users of service at risk of ham. Therefore, there is a requirement to reaffirm the standards of professional conduct by imposing a warning and condition on your registration."
