PART 6SOCIAL CARE WORKERS: FITNESS TO PRACTISE

CHAPTER 2PRELIMINARY PROCEDURES

Investigation

125Duty to investigate

(1)

SCW must investigate, or make arrangements for the investigation of, a matter referred under section 119 in respect of a registered person's fitness to practise.

(2)

The person conducting an investigation under this section may, at any stage during the investigation, refer the matter to an interim orders panel.

(3)

SCW must by rules make provision about the arrangements for investigations under this section.

(4)

Rules made under subsection (3) may, in particular, make provision for—

(a)

the registered person to make representations to the person conducting the investigation;

(b)

investigations to be carried out by a member of SCW's staff;

(c)

the appointment of one or more individuals for the purpose of conducting an investigation;

(d)

the appointment of persons to provide assistance in relation to an investigation.

(5)

But rules made under subsection (3) may not provide for an investigation to be carried out by—

(a)

a person who is a member of—

(i)

SCW,

(ii)

the Health and Care Professions Council,

(iii)

the Scottish Social Services Council, or

(iv)

the Northern Ireland Social Care Council;

(b)

a person who is a member of a fitness to practise panel;

(c)

a person who is a member of an interim orders panel;

(d)

a prescribed person.