A social care worker in Kilmarnock has been sanctioned by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for making derogatory and discriminatory comments against his colleagues. Henry Charlick was issued with a warning about his future conduct, and that warning will be placed on his registration for the next three years. Conditions were also imposed on his future practice after the SSSC found him guilty of misconduct.
Details of the misconduct
In their findings of fact, the SSSC said that on or around 10 April 2025, while supporting service user 'AA,' Charlick said to his colleague “Do you think she has any knickers on” and “they’ve always been like that, with skirts up their a**e” or words to that effect, in reference to an unknown female. In addition, on or around 16 April 2025, in relation to service user 'AA,' Charlick administered a double dose of rescue medication instead of a single dose.
Another charge proved against Charlick alleged that on an exact date unknown but in the presence of 'AA' and service user 'BB,' Charlick said to colleague 'YY': “Can I come with you on support as she is a crabbit faced c***” or words to that effect, in reference to another colleague. On another occasion, Charlick failed to ensure a service user’s meal was blended to the consistency required by his care plan.
Further findings and impact
The charges continued; on dates unknown, after his colleague suggested to 'AA' that he wait until later to use his iPad, Charlick said to the service user “never mind the women” or words to that effect. Charlick, according to the SSSC findings of fact, also “continually referred” to a male wearing a skirt as a “tr***y, or words to that effect, in the presence of supported individuals, despite a colleague challenging him on his language.
The SSSC told Charlick: “Social service workers are expected to meet relevant standards of practice and communicate in an appropriate manner with individuals, colleagues and service users. They should be treated with kindness and respect. You (Charlick) made derogatory and discriminatory comments during your employment.”
Regulator's decision
The report continues: “In the presence of service user AA, you made a comment about a female member of the public whereby you stated words to the effect of 'do you think she has any knickers on' and 'they’ve always been like that, with their skirts up their a**e'. After your colleague suggested to AA that he wait until later to use his iPad, say to AA 'never mind the women' or words to that effect. These actions could encourage AA to not listen to female staff members and negatively affect AA’s care. You also continually referred to a male member of the public who was wearing a skirt as a 'tr***y' in the presence of service users. These comments are discriminatory against an individual’s sex. You also referred to colleague ZZ as a 'crabbit faced c***' when you had a disagreement with her. This was in the presence of service users. Your actions put both ZZ and the service users at risk of emotional harm.”
The SSSC said Charlick showed “no insight” into his behaviour and there was “no evidence” of remediation. The report continues: “Social service workers are also expected to protect service users as far as possible from harm by following their employer’s practices and procedures. You administered a double dose of rescue medication instead of a single dose to AA. You also failed to ensure service user CC’s meal was blended to the consistency required by his care plan. You put both service users AA and CC at risk of physical harm.”
In placing a warning, with conditions, on Charlick’s registration, the SSSC added: “The SSSC has a duty to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour from social service workers. Registration with the SSSC provides members of the public with assurances that the SSSC is satisfied that you are fit to practise. Due to the risk of repetition, a finding of impairment is necessary to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the register and in the SSSC as a regulator.”
