Complaint references: CR52

Complaint related to a Zoom meeting on 01.03.2021. The Complainant had independently arranged a regularly used Trainee Translator to be in attendance, and the Registrant RSLI had been booked directly via a third-party social worker co-ordinating the meeting. The allegations included that the Registrant did not arrive early to allow the usual introductions, and that when the Registrant realised the Complainant had an additional communication professional present, they handled it inappropriately initiating questions which the Complainant felt were inappropriate and caused confusion. The Complainant made further allegations relating to the Registrant not voicing over and using English not BSL lip patterns, which distracted the Complainant. The Complainant also found a tattoo on the Registrants arm distracting.

Investigation conducted into potential breach of Section 1.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 and 6.1 of NRCPD's Code of Conduct. Witness Statements from the various professionals present were obtained.

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

The Case Examiners advised the Registrant of the importance of respecting a Service User's wishes to have someone present to support them (section 1.1) and commented that although they understood the Registrant's concerns due to them not notified in advance of the presence of the Trainee Translator, the Case Examiners felt that the Registrant did not address this appropriately at the meeting. The Case Examiners noted that a pause or another meeting date in order to properly prepare and establish communication was not requested, not was NRCPD contacted (to check the Translators registration status). The Case Examiners view was that it was the responsibility of the Registrant to clarify these issues before continuing with the assignment.