A support worker in Glasgow, Scotland, has been struck off the professional register after repeatedly punching a colleague in the face during a violent confrontation at the home of a vulnerable person receiving care.
The worker, Andrew Mcshane, was dismissed from the register by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) following an investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 23, 2024.
According to findings reported by STV News, Mcshane, who was employed by Key Housing Association in Glasgow, punched his male colleague three times during an argument, leaving him injured.
Although the service user was not in the room when the assault occurred, the individual was nearby and became distressed after police were called to the property.
The incident raised serious concerns about professional conduct, workplace violence and the responsibility of care workers to maintain a safe environment for vulnerable people.
During the investigation, Mcshane admitted throwing the first punch but maintained that his colleague had provoked him.
However, the regulatory body rejected his attempts to shift responsibility, describing his behaviour as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards expected of professionals entrusted with caring for vulnerable individuals.
The SSSC also expressed concern that Mcshane failed to cooperate with its investigation and showed no meaningful remorse for his actions.
The watchdog concluded that his conduct undermined public confidence in the social care profession and demonstrated a disregard for the safety and welfare of colleagues and service users.
Under Scotland’s social care regulatory framework, workers must maintain professional standards, protect vulnerable individuals and demonstrate conduct consistent with public trust.
The SSSC maintains a register of social service workers and has powers to remove individuals whose fitness to practise is seriously compromised.
Its registration requirements are designed to ensure that people working in regulated care roles meet appropriate standards of behaviour and accountability.
The regulator determined that Mcshane’s violent conduct, coupled with his failure to accept responsibility, made removal from the register the only appropriate sanction.
The decision means he cannot undertake Scottish social care roles requiring SSSC registration unless his registration is restored.
Key Housing Association, which employed Mcshane when the incident occurred, declined to comment when approached by STV News.
