I'll try (and probably fail!) to keep this brief.
I started a new job less than 2 months ago. Just part time. For a very large well known company and in the care sector - however .. I am not a carer. My role is to work alongside them to an extent
Job going well. Great feedback, no issues. Until 3 weeks ago when I raised a concern about a carer. I overheard her verbally abusing a very elderly resident with severe dementia, she was clearly rough handling her too as I heard distinct slapping noises (but I did not witness this) I am 100% sure of what I heard spoken though, as I stood on the other side of an ajar door.
I was shocked and upset and immediately reported it as a safeguarding concern to my manager. She told me to write it down but not to name the carer at all in my letter
I did this and a day later, another manager (who runs the care floor) followed me into a kitchen and asked what had happened. I told her and she said ' that's my best carer, I have never heard anything like this before,' and 'you've never worked with dementia patients before have you?' with a snapped on her face and shaking her head. She made it clear she did not believe me.
two days later, I was called to an investigation. I gave my summary of events to two managers and was told I would not be informed of the outcome of the investigation. (Fair enough I suppose)
The carer in question has never been removed from the care floor as I've seen her on the premises ever since
But I've been moved from my duties ever since reporting. Given jobs such as cleaning out cupboards and moving things from one office to another. Sent home hours early because they had nothing for me to do. Forbidden from going into the care floor where the majority of my work takes place.
I asked why I was being punished but was met with a shrug.
This has gone on for the past few weeks and yesterday I received a letter from my manager inviting me to a probationary meeting on Tuesday. To discuss concerns about my performance. These concerns were listed and they are - without exception - made up, totally fabricated. One of the points - to give an example - says ' you clocked out early on Thursday 26th' ... I DO NOT WORK ON A THURSDAY! Another point said ' you went for a walk.' .... I am flummoxed. I've never 'gone for a walk.'
There were zero concerns about me prior to me reporting a safeguarding concern and I've never experienced this in 35 years of working
So I'm obviously being stitched up here and I understand that. They're removing the problem and that's me. The carer remains as they are very short staffed - who knows?
So I shall resign of course. That's not in doubt but how? How can they do this? The village manager is going to be in on my 'meeting' and therefore she's complicit in what has happened
I have reported this to the CQC - the care equivalent of Ofsted I suppose. My workplace were reported last year and visited - and are now 'requiring improvement' in the areas of safety and leadership so nothing has changed
I know I have no leg to stand on as I've been there for only a matter of weeks but please - can someone tell me if this is normal? What on earth can I do to help me understand why reported abusive behaviour is not being taken seriously?
I'm not in the slightest bit concerned about keeping my job. I do not want to work there
I'm concerned about abuse going on, the managers being complicit in it and then fabricating stuff against me to get me out asap
In what world is this acceptable?