ABERDEEN CARE WORKER GERALDINE IGUMA REMOVED FROM SOCIAL SERVICES REGISTER AFTER ABUSE CONVICTION
Geraldine Owen Aibangbee Iguma, a support worker based in Aberdeen, has been officially removed from the social services register following her conviction for abusive conduct towards a resident under her care.The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) launched a thorough investigation into her professional conduct after allegations surfaced that she had engaged in abusive behavior while working in a care home for adults in Aberdeen.
In April 2022, Ms.
Iguma appeared before Aberdeen Sheriff Court to face criminal charges brought under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.
The court's findings detailed her actions, which included behaving in a threatening and aggressive manner towards a resident identified only as AA.
Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial indicated that she repeatedly shouted at the resident and exhibited aggressive behavior, creating an environment of fear and distress.
The court report explicitly stated: “You [Iguma] did behave in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm in that you did act aggressively towards AA and did repeatedly shout at her.” Such conduct was deemed not only unprofessional but also harmful, especially considering her role in caring for vulnerable adults.
Following her conviction, the Scottish Social Services Council concluded that her fitness to practice as a social worker was significantly impaired.
The panel overseeing her case emphasized the fundamental importance of maintaining high standards of conduct among social service professionals, underscoring that abuse or harm towards those in their care is entirely unacceptable.
They highlighted that her behavior could have caused emotional trauma to the service user, which is a serious breach of the ethical responsibilities entrusted to her.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Ms.
Iguma displayed no remorse, insight, or apology for her actions.
Her lack of acknowledgment and her failure to demonstrate any regret were viewed as further evidence of her unsuitability to continue working in the social care sector.
Despite her full cooperation with the investigation, the gravity of her misconduct and her criminal conviction led to a decisive action: her removal from the social services register.
This decision serves as a stark reminder that social workers and care professionals are held to rigorous standards of conduct, with the primary goal of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
The case of Geraldine Owen Aibangbee Iguma in Aberdeen underscores the importance of accountability and the zero-tolerance policy towards abuse within the social care system.
