Support worker took vulnerable service user to his home to build shelves

A support worker took a vulnerable service user to his home and told them to build a set of shelves.

Gary Rollason also told the vulnerable person not to tell his employer about the incident.

At the time, Rollason was employed by Thera (Scotland) in Inverness, which supports people with learning disabilities.

He also made crude comments to the service user after they had shaken the hand of a member of the public.

Rollason was also found to have submitted inaccurate timesheets and attempted to claim mileage for a trip he did not take.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found Rollason’s fitness to practice was impaired as a result, and a warning has been placed on his registration for 36 months.

In a report, SSSC said Rollason “took advantage of a supported person” by persuading them to undertake home decoration projects which presented a “financial gain” for him.

It added: “You also attempted to claim mileage and working hours for the visits the supported person made to carry out this work.

“Your behaviour calls into question your honesty and integrity, which are fundamental values of those who work within the profession.”

The SSSC said Rollason had apologised for his behaviour and claimed the service user enjoyed the home improvement work, adding he wanted to encourage them to take on more projects.