To be devastated on being informed I'm being 'investigated'?

[PreviouslyonLost]

Was going to namechange for this but too upset and agitated to concentrate on the minutiae of MN details

I am a Social Worker. A number of weeks ago I reported a child protection concern as soon as I became aware of it. The information was a number of days old from the child's 'carer'. The information also involved other siblings.

Action was taken to protect a resident sibling. The other siblings are not in the care of the parents and another senior professional who has overall responsibility for the care of the other siblings informed me that they had visited the 'carers' and was satisfied that nothing further than action already taken would result (Resident child removed, supervised access and contact for other siblings, as had already been instigated by myself prior to allegation due to 'gut' instinct and historical knowledge).

I am now informed that I am under investigation (presumably for the supposed time delay in passing on the initial information) and was informed that I would now be 'non-operational' during the investigation and expected to work in a location >72 miles (one way) on a DAILY basis until the investigation is complete.

I advised that due to having two small children, and my Husband's work pattern, he works away from home for weeks at a time, this would not be possible - after some telephone calls manager 'offered' me alternative of a location >50 miles away (again, one way, on a daily basis). If I go off 'sick' investigation will not go forward, however I am aghast that I will be expected to sit and twiddle my thumbs, amidst colleagues from a previous job who will all be 'curious' as to why I am there. The person carrying out the 'investigation' is now on Annual Leave and will not return for two weeks, therefore I will languish in an old workplace, subject to enquiries, gossip, and speculation until such time as 'investigation' is commenced/completed.

My question is...once I have (finally) been interviewed, if I go off sick then, would the investigation continue (I expect to be completely exonerated, but am horrified at what I'm being expected to undergo in the meantime). Any advice gratefully received.

Many thanks.

So glad to read your outcome you do a very difficult job day in day out.

How did I miss out ThePathanKhansWitch ...who gave me my maiden MN flowers?! Thank you, they made me smile on a particularly dark day.

So glad to hear that things have turned out well for you.

I will indeed, confirm that you are normally a happy go lucky MNer

Phew!
:)

Randommess The JOB can be is amazing...I have stated time and time again (here and elsewhere) that I love my job, sadly the red tape and the powers that be make it so stressful/difficult that frontline workers are hobbled and hampered in doing what would be right.

I know we're up there with Traffic Wardens and HMRC, but when a young person you've seen deserted, unloved, abandoned, abused, runs towards you 5 years later on and tells you they're happy, housed, in love, settled, employed, have an adored child, and love the life they have...who wouldn't take some crap on their behalf along the way? I woudn't swap it for anything, that gleaming moment amidst the day to day hammering.

PoL xXx

Oh that is such GOOD NEWS! I am delighted for you, I honestly am. It must be a mahooooosive weight off your shoulders. Just brilliant.

I think now you are owed an explanation and an apology from the seniors in your organisation for putting you through this ordeal for no good reason. It's not really enough for them to say 'its now over, off you go back to your duties' without some kind of apology / explanation is it? Although I can understand if you just have the feeling of wanting to get back to normal asap.

One thing - I would check what / how it has been recorded on your employment record....as you've done nothing wrong then ideally there should be nothing left on your employment record, but I reckon it would be best to check....you wouldn't want something (which shouldn't be there) showing up if you apply for a job elsewhere.

So glad it's over for you! Woo hoo!

"I am being investigated"
not your field but been through it and some
a rival told my professional body that I'd not box ticked for a few years.
the box ticking is nigh on impossible if you are a Mum.
the beggars had checked part of my work a year ago and never noticed the gap (I knew there was a gap but also knew that all the open correspondence was at their end)
ended up with an honourable resignation and I joined a second tier but more reasonable professional body.

and this relates to the op ???
COMMUNICATE
REMIND
ASK
SPECIFY
if the beggars are going to hang you out to dry, make if be for what you HAVE done, not the insinuations and lack of support
and PLEASE add Private Eye's "In the Back" to your BCC list as they realise that unless the front line is valued we are back at the charge of the light brigade

Previously, I am crying because I am so happy for you. Well done. Hold your head up and get back to the work you do so well. Celebrate. You are right.This place is full of wonderful people.

Wow I have just read through the whole thread. What a nightmare for you PoL. I am so glad it all worked out well and I salute the wonderful MNers who helped you through these stressful times. MN at its best.

Five minutes peace to get back here whilst some neighbours' children are playing in the garden with ours.

HarrietJ0nes "Phew!"...INDEED! I've had a day or so to try and let some of the angst out (and I've been very angsty in the past few weeks). Actually a bit numb now, and no apology in letter Selks - not expecting one to be honest. If anything I think this whole episode may be used as a not so subtle threat to my co-workers, the thought of losing your job is an effective lash at your back...no matter how over-worked, disillusioned, burnt-out, you are? Or am I just being paranoid again?! Aarrgh!

It really makes you rethink so much about priorities...one effect that all this will have on me is to make me harder and also to make me less likely to go the extra mile, that makes me saddest of all.

TalkinPeace2 You sound like a very interesting person. I like your posting style, it made me think. "COMMUNICATE, REMIND, ASK, SPECIFY" is now my mantra, thank you.

marmiteonmykeyboard PLEASE don't cry (even if they are happy tears!) save your strength and energy for your own battle...what can I do to help you? YOU are one of those "wonderful people" that you mentioned in your last post, but for the time taken by you all I would have not been able to deal with this threat to all that is important to me. I was in a very gloomy place and no such relief as even a glimmer of light in the distance to comfort or sustain me. I am (aside from being a normally very 'happy-go-lucky person'...Thank you Karmabeliever for confirming that!) a deep thinker by nature who usually takes on the woes of others, but I am truly grateful for the support and emotional sustenance I received here. I think you ( marmite ) need a peaceful break in (very) rural Scotland, I'm hoping you have a big family to bring with you?! We can offer light, space, beautiful clear air, chickens to feed (and fresh free-range eggs every day!) incredibly comfortable beds, extensive countryside vistas, a real wood fire, and a chance to BREATHE...it's yours anytime. Just say when.

I couldn't wish for more than I received over the past few weeks...a plain, old, thank you, just doesn't cut the mustard does it? Anything else I try to say doesn't even come close. I couldn't share with those that I love, too ashamed and depressed, so I bashed the keys on Mumsnet and look what you did? PoL saved from the creeping shadows...every post hit a nerve.

Work tomorrow fills me with dread...not because my lovely colleagues will be curious/quaking in their own boots/fearful...but because of all the WORK that will have piled up in my absence, Oh well...a Social Worker's life is never dull!

You all have my respect and admiration, forever, thank you. PoL xXx.

Hey POL, it's not those neighbours kids playing in your garden, is it?

Karmabeliever...you just made me laugh spontaneously for the first time in over a month!

NOOOooooo, not THOSE neighbour's children! Progress though on that front too, Mrs UEN popped in on local elections polling day here, and actually did say 'thank you' for a glass of the red, life giving, carefully chosen bottle, of grape juice ( It was a lovely (rare sunshine) day so we were outside soaking up some Vit. D and I managed to keep the interior destruction to minimum levels for once!)

Love that you are here to remind me that MN soothes many a burn on the soul, small AND large. Thank you xXx.

Thank you Previously...get back to your case notes and your clients. Your grace is inspiring. I will be in touch (not about staying but to keep you posted). I think we may have quite a bit in common...

marmite ...loathe to say my offer was genuine (too cheesy and huggy for MN!), it was instead a heartfelt offer for a break for you (and yours) if you need a get away from real life, we don't even have to be here if you want to take time out from your own situation (tho' my gravy and roast potatoes are legend btw...not to mention all the ancient and historical delights on our doorstep, hope you like the rain...quite frequent in these here parts...even if it WAS almost 18 degrees glorious sunshine here last week) Most of the neighbours are wonderful and will come to visit and make sure you are ok, probably with a bottle, or two, and their cheerful friendliness! House is half done'ish but comfy nonetheless, did I mention the delicious beds...sleep like you've never slept before, I promise. (Glorious Sunrises, and Moonrises from the BIG windows).

I think we do have a 'bit' in common...I look forward to getting to know you better. Hope that you are lifted by the fact that you have raised someone else from the depths of despondency with your articulate, caring, and insightful responses. Incredibly comfortable bed(s), and relaxed days await your presence...I cannot think of any better way to express my thankfulness for your incredible kindness. xXx.

Previously
I'm very glad that my very different situation helped.
"interesting" I like that. Those who know me call me psychotic!
But, if I've give you and all the readers of this thread a mantra for not being trodden on, the world is a better place.

Previously,

I'm really pleased to hear of this outcome. I would however, be tempted to ask for an explanation. The person investigating this will have had to write a report with their findings and conclusions. I would suggest putting it in writing that you are pleased with the outcome, as you have found the situation extremely stressful even though you knew you had done nothing wrong. And finish by asking for a copy of the investigation report into this incident.

I letter saying you will not be subject to disciplinary action 'in this instance' is clearly inadequate.

I'm glad POL that this has had a good outcome for you. Hopefully you'll be back to your balls of steel self very soon.

First week back at my realworkplace over (part-time). Colleagues were their usual lovely selves, and glad to see me (not least because they have been covering my workload!)

My brain is mush though, and still feeling nervous and on edge...I think it will still take a while to feel everything is back to normal.

BeryStreep Only saw my Boss and they didn't say much at all, the Investigating Boss isn't in our office much but I will probably see him in the coming weeks. The fantastic Union Rep said to me way back that the only way I would find out what "everyone said" would be if it did get to 'Disciplinary' level'? As IB said in his first conversation with me (where the accusation was dropped like a megaton bomb) I was being investigated for 'gross misconduct', two (more senior) Bosses after that said it was a 'fact finding mission'? When I mentioned this (gross misconduct) to Union Rep after the big meeting, they were really shocked.

So it appears (now I can view the whole mess at a more comfortable distance) that no-one knew what was going on and they handled it badly while pretending to be Oh so Professional. I agree that the letter, though a HUGE relief, was perfunctory in the extreme and didn't really soothe enough shredded nerves. If I can polish my balls of steel back to their former gleaming chrome finish as GreyCloudsSilverLining suggested, I may yet ask for a copy of the report...or might take them balls on a sick leave staycation for a bit of rest and recuperation.

TalkinPeace2 You say psychotic like it's a bad thing?!

Hope you are ok marmite?

Thank you all.

Got any spare chrome, Previously? Delighted but not surprised to hear you were welcomed back by your colleagues. They obviously value you. Had a good coffee with a supportive acquaintance and hopefully gave her a reciprocal shoulder to cry on. Enjoyed a yummy biscuit which probably contained my day's calories but I lost loads of weight initially through stress so I guess I'm just re upholstering myself... Work situation still a mess and the failure to respond to communication makes me want to walk away but I have to believe justice will prevail. If it doesn't (and apologies for being cryptic) I hope I show the grace and dignity you, Apple and others have demonstrated. Any messages that inspire bravery will be gratefully received.

Previously,
You are entitled to ask for a copy of the report as a subject access request under the Data Protection Act. There are various exemptions to this, which I can't recall at the moment, but I think they should be supplying you with the portion of the report which applies to you.

It will take a while for your trust in your management to be restored.

Update Alert:

Back at work and all is as it was...stress, stress, and a tad more stress just to keep me on my toes.

I am still wobbly, and still on the tablets - can definitely recommend Citalopram and half-inderal for those in a similar situation...tho' a massage and yoga may have helped just as much.

BerylStreep I spoke with my line manager regarding seeing the report, and mid-conversation I back-tracked as I recognise that I'm a 'brooder' - if I saw what he/she/said/did I wouldn't be able to shake it out of my thoughts for ever a long time. In this instance maybe better to let sleeping dogs lie?

I have been cleared, but now a colleague finds herself in a (less serious) situation and is subject to some weird process that her boss can't explain, other than to say their bosses^ wanted it done?! Colleague told by me to speak to Union - it appears to be the only language the uppity people in charge listen to.

I remain truly grateful for all the advice and support I received here, it sustained me when I couldn't share my devastation with the people nearest to me. There has been illness, and a recent death, in the extended family so I felt it selfish to lean on them. Love that MN exists for such life crises as these, as well as frivolous AIBU's! Many, many, thanks...

...and Marmite my ears and time are all yours, thankyou.

Thanks Previously for the update. It will give others hope. Take care of yourself. PMd you a couple of times yesterday.Praying the messages got to you....!

Marmite I replied to your message two days ago! Was wondering why YOU hadn't got back to ME! Have only received one PM though. What's going on Mumsnet Mavens?!

I hope you didn't think I was actively ignoring you...when you were such a help to me. I will try and resend PM reply. Hope it gets to you. If you don't receive it this time, I'm going to PM MN HQ

So glad all got sorted for you previously.
Can't say the same for myself, and have just posted on apples thread.
The good thing about MN is that one can see one is not alone, and I have even had people saying lovely things to me with my odd hijack of apples thread to tell her she is not alone sadly

Hi Previously, I did reply last night to your RL email...