Former Church of Scotland worker struck off for verbally abusing child

A social care worker employed by the Church of Scotland has been struck off for verbally abusing a child during a car journey.

Alistair Wills was employed as a support practitioner with CrossReach, the Church of Scotland’s social care arm, when he caused “clear emotional harm” to one of the children he was supporting.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said Wills was travelling in a car in June 2024 with the child when he made “inappropriate gestures” and cursed at other drivers – stating that another driver was “getting on his t***”.

Wills then pulled the car over, opened the passenger door where the child was sitting and shouted, “Do you want to drive?”

Under his breath, Wills cursed at the child. When asked to repeat what he said, Wills shouted the inappropriate language directly into the child’s ear.

He later asked the child, “What were [they] going to do? Are you a clipe, a wee grass, ya wee sh***bag?”

He also told the child it was “your word against mine”.

The SSSC said the incident caused “emotional harm” to the child and determined Wills’ fitness to practice was “impaired”.

The SSSC noted that Wills had not been fully trained by CrossReach at the time of the incident. The panel also revealed that CrossReach “did not immediately suspend or place conditions” upon Wills.

However, he resigned from his job “immediately” two days after the incident.

Although Wills did not admit to anything, the care regulator heard evidence from multiple “credible” witnesses – including an experienced team leader – who backed up the claims.

The council decided on a balance of probabilities that there was clear evidence that the allegations were true.

The Panel said it considered the child’s emotional impact, noting evidence of “his shock, upset, tearfulness and distress so obviously shown in the aftermath of the car journey”.

“Emotional harm was caused to [the child] by your actions in June 2024, and that is very clear,” the SSSC said.

The Panel said Wills’ behaviour was neither “respectful, kind, compassionate or understanding” of the child’s particular vulnerabilities.

“Your behaviour was both abusive and harmful,” the SSSC said, addressing Wills.

As a result, the panel decided to remove Wills from the care register with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for CrossReach acknowledged the SSSC’s decision and “regretted” that the incident occurred.

“The safety and wellbeing of those who use our services is of paramount importance,” the spokesperson said.

“Mr Wills was less than three weeks into his initial induction period with CrossReach when the incident happened, so was part way through his programme of training, which is carried out under supervision.

“He left the service immediately after the event and did not return to the service, resigning shortly after an internal fact finding investigation was launched.

“CrossReach completed the appropriate reporting procedures to refer this matter to social work, the Care Inspectorate and the SSSC and have co-operated with the SSSC throughout their investigation.”

CrossReach said it has a number of policies and procedures in place designed to pick up and deal with poor practice which could cause harm or undermine its values.

The spokesperson said: “These were applied in this case.”

CrossReach said the young person affected has also been offered additional help as a result of their experience.