**Title: Kilmarnock Care Worker Faces Sanctions for Discriminatory Language and Medication Errors**
A care worker based in Kilmarnock has received a formal warning from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for making inappropriate and discriminatory remarks about colleagues and service users. The case highlights the importance of maintaining respect and professionalism within the social care sector.
More coverage: read the latest report.
Henry Charlick was found guilty of misconduct, leading to a warning that will remain on his registration for a period of three years, alongside restrictions on his future practice. The SSSC documented several concerning incidents, illustrating a pattern of derogatory behaviour.
On 10 April 2025, while attending to a service user identified as “AA,” Charlick made an inappropriate comment to a colleague, questioning the clothing of an unnamed woman in an offensive manner. Just days later, he administered an excessive dose of emergency medication to the same service user, a serious error that could have had dire consequences.
Additional findings revealed that Charlick used highly derogatory language about another colleague, referring to her as a “crabbit faced c***” during a disagreement in the presence of service users. Such behaviour not only undermines team dynamics but also poses potential emotional risks to vulnerable individuals under their care.
Furthermore, Charlick was reported to have consistently used disparaging terms when referring to a man in a skirt, demonstrating a lack of respect for diversity and failing to adhere to the standard of inclusivity required in professional care settings. In one instance, after a colleague advised waiting before using an iPad, Charlick retorted to service user AA to “never mind the women,” showing a dismissive attitude towards female staff.
The SSSC made it clear that social care workers are expected to communicate respectfully and treat individuals with kindness. They asserted that Charlick’s actions could reinforce negative perceptions of female authority and, crucially, jeopardised the safety and well-being of both service users and colleagues.
In response to the incidents, the SSSC expressed concerns over Charlick’s lack of insight into his behaviour, emphasising that fostering a considerate and safe environment is paramount in the care profession. By imposing conditions on Charlick’s practice and placing a formal warning on his record, the SSSC aims to uphold high standards of conduct and ensure public confidence in care services.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by social care workers and the necessity for ongoing education on respectful and appropriate conduct within the profession. With several serious breaches of professionalism evident, it is crucial that colleagues and employers collaborate to nurture a culture that prioritises dignity and respect for all involved.