Perth support worker who 'misplaced cocaine while at workplace' given warning

A Crieff support worker who misplaced some cocaine he was carrying while at his workplace has been given a warning.

Kyle Taylor was employed as a support worker by Hillcrest Futures, on the town’s Milnab Street, in September 2022 when the incident occurred.

On or around September 13, Mr Taylor went into his workplace while not scheduled to be on shift, in order to have a look at the rota.

He was knowingly in possession of cocaine when he did so.

After leaving the facility, he realised he had dropped the class A drug – but did not warn his employers or colleagues to be on the look out.

A hearing of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found that the incident had put vulnerable service users at risk.

Mr Taylor was also found to have consumed cocaine later that same day.

Hillcrest Futures’ website states that, in addition to support for disabled and older people, services also include drug, alcohol and recovery support.

“As a social service worker, you are expected to behave in a way both inside and outside of work that would not call into question your suitability to work with vulnerable services users,” the SSSC said.

It added that, while he had shown a high level of insight and there was a very small risk of repeated behaviour, the incident compromised confidence in the profession and “fell short” of the professionalism expected of a social service worker.

Taking into account all of the factors, a 12-month warning has been placed on Mr Taylor’s registration effective March 25.

Hillcrest Futures has been approached for comment.