Social worker from Kilmarnock avoids strike-off after 'sexually harassing' three female colleagues

A social worker in Kilmarnock has been given a warning after allegedly sexually harassing three of his female colleagues on nights out.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found Robert Douglas’s fitness to practice was “impaired” because of his misconduct.

The industry regulator described his behaviour – which he denies – as “unacceptable” and “degrading” but stopped short of striking him off the register.

Douglas was working at East Ayrshire Council at the time of the incidents, but is no longer employed by the local authority.

The incidents date back three years, on separate nights out, with the female identities anonymised.

On July 29, 2023, Douglas was found by the industry watchdog to have put his hand on the base of a colleague’s head, bent her over, thrust his body towards her from behind and said: “That’s how you get f****d properly”.

He was also found to have put his tongue in another woman’s mouth, causing her distress.

On another occasion in November that year, Douglas grabbed a third woman by the back of the neck, placed his hand on her hip, bent her over and thrusted his body towards her from behind.

A notice of decision from the SSSC said: “Social workers are expected to be reliable and dependable.

“They must not behave while in or outside of work in a way which would bring their suitability to work in the social service profession into question.

“You have sexually harassed three of your female colleagues during two separate work nights out.

“Your actions show a serious disregard for professional boundaries and a significant lack of respect towards
your female colleagues.

“The behaviour is unacceptable and degrading and would have likely caused significant distress to your colleagues.

“You have denied the behaviour however you have shown some insight and reflection in respect of the behaviour.

“Your actions had the potential to negatively impact the social work profession. Your behaviour fell below the standards expected of a registered social worker.”

The regulator raised concern that this was “not an isolated incident” and that “there is a pattern of concerning behaviour.”

Douglas was said to have an “unblemished previous history with the SSSC” and that he co-operated in a meaningful way.

The report also says he showed “some insight and reflection” and received a “supportive reference.”

A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council told STV News: “East Ayrshire Council is aware of the outcome of proceedings undertaken by the SSSC in respect of a former employee.

“The council takes standards of conduct of employees seriously and appropriate action was taken in accordance with our policies and procedures.

“The council will be making no further comment.”