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Original poster

I’ve been suspended for shouting at a ‘service user’.

38 replies

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:26

Just for the record I really hate the term ‘service user’.

I’ve been reported for shouting at one of my guys. Going to have a meeting about it on Friday.

I didn’t shout. Another staff member was also there and said she’d back me up. I’ll be totally open and honest about it to my boss.

I’m just a bit bummed. I love the guys I look after, having to leave and not see them again would break my heart.

Does anyone know what might happen? I’m not banned from the building or anything, he just wants to chat on my next shift.

I have no experience of this.

Have been there four years, considered a good and reliable member of staff, but this is a new boss and he doesn’t really know me.

Also, I have autism, reading expressions, tones and body language doesn’t come easily to me so meetings like this make me anxious.

OP posts:
x2boys · 04/10/2022 19:34

Doesn't sound like you have been suspended if your boss says he will haveca chat next shift ,maybe just a chat to clarify things from your perspective?

SunshineClouds1 · 04/10/2022 19:35

If it's just a chat then you aren't suspended.

He probs just wants to know what happened and tell you not to do it again

WinOutdoors · 04/10/2022 19:35

Why do they think you shouted?

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:38

Yes, I have witnesses - it was on a day out. Me, my colleague and one agency staff. Was the agency staff who reported me.

My colleague will confirm it’s bollocks.

Hate having my name dragged through the mud.

I’ve been really unwell lately and dragged myself through work because I was needed. Shit like this makes me wish I’d just called in sick.

I’m really gutted about it.

OP posts:
Gazelda · 04/10/2022 19:38

It doesn't sound as though you've been suspended. It's a chat. He probably wants to understand what happened.

Be factual, clear. Try not to get emotional or defensive.

Remind him that you're a loyal and dedicated worker who has a good rapport with the people you support.

I'm pretty sure you'll be told to be mindful of how you speak with people in the future and that will be the end of it.

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:39

You’re all right. It’ll be fine.

It’s made me feel very blue.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:41

WinOutdoors · 04/10/2022 19:35

Why do they think you shouted?

I have no idea. Shouting isn’t really my thing, I’m more of a withering look type of person (although I don’t do that at work).

I’ve also had a savage sore throat so shouting isn’t really feasible anyway.

OP posts:
DismantledKing · 04/10/2022 19:45

This isn’t related to this thread, is it? It seems similar.
www.mumsnet.com/talk/work/4647573-i-think-a-work-colleague-has-autism?postsby=LavendersBlue32

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Trollhunting

DismantledKing · 04/10/2022 19:52

This reply has been deleted

Trollhunting

If it’s a fake thread then it would have been taken down.

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 19:54

Either way, I don’t think that’s about me.

From what I read the person the poster is referring to is a man.

OP posts:
DismantledKing · 04/10/2022 19:54

Ok, sorry for derailment

PleaseStopExplaining · 04/10/2022 19:56

My experience (as a so-called service user, not a carer) is that a lot of the time a new carer comes in for what they know will be short term and tries to find problems and/or prove they can do it better.

So I wouldn’t worry about it.

Tiredmumno1 · 04/10/2022 19:56

I was about to say the other thread was about a male.

I don't think you are in serious trouble either, as others have said they probably just want your side of things.

Try not to worry too much (easier said than done) I am sure you'll be fine, considering you have witness as well.

Tiredmumno1 · 04/10/2022 19:57

*witnesses

Fireleap · 04/10/2022 19:58

As others have said be clear, honest and factual.
I wouldn't advise talking about your past work history/ length of service etc, they will know that and your colleagues response will cover that. As they are looking for any information that abuse has taken place your work history doesn't really matter, they need to look at the specific incident.
I am not suggesting that you did shout, but it may be worth reflecting on the incident. Unless the agency worker has a particular issue with you, they observed something they were not comfortable with.
Hope it all goes well, sounds like you are there for the right reasons and that should be what matters.

onlythreenow · 04/10/2022 20:03

I'm not in the UK - what the hell is a 'service user'?

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 20:04

Funnily enough there is history with the agency.

He has ‘a past’ that I am aware of. I won’t go into details.

But it wasn’t pretty. And he does know I know about it.

But that must be a red herring. I can’t see why that would cause him to lie. I obviously wasn’t going to say anything. I still have no intention of saying anything. Not my business.

OP posts:
Shiningstarr · 04/10/2022 20:05

onlythreenow · 04/10/2022 20:03

I'm not in the UK - what the hell is a 'service user'?

It means someone you are looking after, so if you worked in a care home, the service users would be the residents.

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 04/10/2022 20:06

A ‘service user’ is what we call vulnerable adults who live in care homes.

The care home is ‘the service’ and the people living there are ‘service users’.

I personally hate it. Everyone I know hates it. I have no idea how it became a thing.

OP posts:
Invisimamma · 04/10/2022 20:12

I'm sure it will be fine OP, your boss probably just wants to get your version of events before deciding not to take it further.

As an aside, you could try 'people' in place of 'service user' so...'people I support' or 'people who access our services' or 'people we work with.'

noirchatsdeux · 04/10/2022 20:15

@Invisimamma My partner manages two care homes... staff have to refer to the service users as service users...no choice.

I also think it's a stupid term and have been telling him so for 13 years.

CaptainBarbosa · 04/10/2022 20:33

I'm sure all will be fine OP also your colleague is a witness so it's 2 against anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also we call them service users because "client" just doesn't sit right, they aren't "paying for a service" they are being supported and helped.

Ottersmith · 04/10/2022 20:53

If someone reported you, you must have done something. What do you think you said to this person that triggered being reported. You have to be open to listening to what they say or you might never be aware of when you come across as mean or rude. These people are vulnerable and their families need to feel comfortable that people are being nice to them.

Manekinek0 · 04/10/2022 21:08

In my experience it will just be a formality. About 10 years ago one of my colleagues was accused of breaking a service users property. All the information was gathered and a meeting was held. The colleague was reinstated and the service user continued to make complaints everytime things weren't going their way. You will be fine, just keep calm and stick to the facts.