Edinburgh charity worker 'disrespected' colleagues then showed 'lack of remorse'

An Edinburgh man used 'offensive and derogatory' language towards colleagues while employed as a depute service manager of a disability charity.

Anthony Drury showed a 'lack of insight or remorse' after being hauled before the Scottish Social Services Council for several incidents of inappropriate conduct while employed by Share Scotland in Edinburgh.

The council were alerted to claims Drury left a vulnerable service user "alone and unsupported" for longer than he should have, as well as accusations of derogatory remarks being made to colleagues.

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The council decided Drury's actions were "racially motivated" after he referred to colleagues as "Polish girl" or "Polka" and a third colleague, of African descent, as "the African."

Drury's behaviour was repeated on several occasions, showing a 'concerning' pattern of behaviour, as the regulator decided to issue a 12-month warning on his registration.

On several dates Drury left a man, in need of 1:1 support and 24-hour care, alone and unsupported. He also referred to a colleague as a "f*****g Polish ghost."

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The SSSC said: "You referred to colleagues of a different nationality in a derogatory and racist manner. That is behaviour that falls below the standard expected of social service workers because it shows you do not respect other people’s cultures and have no regard for their emotions or feelings.

"The behaviour is serious because it demonstrates a blatant disregard for care plans which contain vital information regarding vulnerable people. It also demonstrates you can make racist and derogatory comments towards colleagues without regard for their feelings in what should be a professional setting.

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"You did these things on more than one occasion which demonstrates a pattern of behaviour and therefore there is a risk of the behaviour being repeated. The behaviour occurred during your shifts as Deputy Manager and therefore there is a risk to you continuing to work with vulnerable people."

Despite a previous good history with the SSSC and cooperating with its investigation, the panel told how Drury had not shown any regret, insight or apology for his behaviour.

A spokesperson for Share Scotland said: "We welcome the rigorous investigation and outcome applied by the SSSC, evidence that the referral system works to ensure the safety and standards of care and support in Scotland."