Glasgow social worker struck off following drug dealing conviction

A Glasgow social worker has been struck off by the care watchdog following a conviction for supplying heroin.

Danielle Clelland was under investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), who have now released a report.

The SSSC found that her fitness to practice had been impaired due to her conviction on January 6, 2026 at Glasgow and Strathkelvin Sheriff Court.

There she was convicted of being involved in the supply of diamorphine, also known as heroin, in a breach of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The SSSC found that Clelland’s actions were not “easily remediable”.

The report stated: “The behaviour represents a significant departure from the Codes of Practice that workers are expected to adhere to.

“A conviction for being concerned in the supply of diamorphine, which is heroin, is behaviour that does not align with being part of a caring and responsible profession. It is intentional behaviour that is inherently wrong and potentially harmful.

“Although no service users were harmed, the supply of this drug carries a high risk of harm to those who receive it.”

While she had been registered with the SSSC for over a decade, her lack of cooperation gave no reassurances that her actions would not be repeated.

The watchdog also brought up the “intentional criminality” of her actions which were considered very serious.

In deciding an appropriate punishment, the SSSC noted that a warning would not suitably protect service users, and so Clelland was struck off from the register.