Complaint references: CR50

Allegations relate to an incident in February 2021 when the Complainant independently called a third-party professional via VRS. Unbeknown to the Complainant, the Registrant was present with the third-party professional for another assignment unrelated to the Complainant. Complainant alleges that during the VRS, the Registrant confused and controlled the call, attempting to secure a future booking with the Complainant and third party for themselves. On establishing the identity of the Registrant, the Complainant requested an alternative interpreter due to issues previously experienced. Complainant raised concerns that the nature of the call was confidential, and it should not have been disclosed to the Registrant in the manner it was.

Investigation conducted into potential breach of Section 1.1, 6.1 and 6.2 of NRCPD's Code of Conduct. Witness statements were obtained from the third party professional, the RSLI present during the VRS and also a Translator the Complainant had with them at the time the VRS was made.

Case Examiners decided based on the evidence provided, that there was not a realistic prospect of finding an impairment of fitness to practice, and that it was not in the public interest to refer the case to a Complaints Committee.

The Case Examiners view was that the Registrant would not have been aware at the time that any confidential information would be shared and that if the Complainant had concerns around the confidential nature of the content of the call, it may be in their best interests to clarify exactly who was present prior to proceeding.

The Case Examiners view was that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that the Registrant took overall charge of the situation to personally benefit, however, they did comment that as a result of the Registrants actions, given the lack of clarification around their presence, and the circumstances of how they became involved within the conversation (invited by the third-party professional), it could have easily been construed as taking charge.