Care services across the wider Tayside, Fife, and Stirling regions are facing continued scrutiny, with recent reports from regulatory bodies highlighting both severe misconduct and areas requiring significant improvement. These developments underscore the critical importance of robust oversight for residents throughout Perth and Kinross, as the standards upheld in neighbouring communities often reflect broader regional trends and the collective commitment to compassionate and effective care.
At the forefront of these revelations is a stark decision concerning an Auchterarder care professional. Craig Littlejohn, who worked with children and young people, has been permanently removed from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) register. This severe sanction followed his conviction for stealing a substantial sum of £8,000 from an individual entrusted to his care. The SSSC unequivocally condemned his actions, characterising them as a profound breach of ethical guidelines and professional integrity. The council’s decision noted that his behaviour demonstrated blatant dishonesty, a flagrant disregard for the fundamental rights and well-being of others, and raised grave concerns about his personal character and values. His removal from the professional register became effective on October 16, sending a clear message about accountability within the care sector.
Further afield, a social worker operating in Glenrothes also faced a formal warning from the SSSC due to an incident that occurred in 2024. Stephen McKenna was found to have behaved inappropriately towards a vulnerable service user who had become distressed and vocal due to a lack of support. During this challenging interaction, Mr. McKenna reportedly leaned over the woman, pointing at her face and admonishing her with aggressive language, including phrases such as, “It’s your f***ing fault, go back to your flat,” and, “The way you treated (redacted) yesterday was f***ing disgusting.” He is also understood to have issued threats concerning the potential loss of her accommodation and responded with offensive gestures after the service user had made similar signs. The SSSC deemed his conduct to display a complete lack of empathy and understanding regarding the complex challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, imposing a three-year warning on his record, which mandates disclosure to any current or future employers. Inspections Reveal Critical Lapses in Care Standards
Meanwhile, the Care Inspectorate, Scotland’s independent watchdog for health and social care, has released updated assessments for several facilities. Moyness Nursing Home in Broughty Ferry was urged to significantly enhance its approach to managing patient needs and concerns. An unannounced inspection revealed that residents who primarily remained in their rooms experienced insufficient social engagement. Furthermore, inspectors observed that patient requests, even those raised in regular meetings, often took several months to be addressed. Deficiencies in care planning were also identified, including a lack of detailed personal information in records, incorrect documentation of injuries, and the absence of proper weight monitoring. Concerns were also raised regarding the cleanliness of specific care equipment. A spokesperson for the home’s operator, BCG, expressed disappointment with the new gradings but affirmed that an immediate action plan was in place, developed in collaboration with the Care Inspectorate and the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, with a commitment to restoring high standards.
In Montrose, The Wee Childcare Company Ltd – Borrowfield Out-of-School Care Club (OOSC), which operates within Borrowfield Primary School, received a concerning report. The Care Inspectorate concluded that the safety and well-being of children attending the service were “not considered” adequately. Personal care plans were found to be implemented inconsistently, with significant variations in the level of detail regarding children’s health and additional support needs. Moreover, staff members reportedly lacked clarity on the correct procedures for administering specific medications. Despite positive relationships between staff and families, the consultation and feedback mechanisms were deemed “weak,” with a noted absence of recent efforts to gather parental opinions and limited opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The Real Life Options Angus Outreach service in Arbroath also fell short in its personal care plan documentation. Inspectors found that these crucial documents lacked sufficient detail, hindering the consistent and safe delivery of care. Many plans were incomplete, undated, and contained informational gaps. It was noted that staff often provided support without immediate access to these essential personal plans. One service user candidly shared, “I have never seen my care plan and I’m not sure if there even is one,” a sentiment echoed by a family member who stated, “I’ve never seen one for a long time.” While the inspection acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve discussions and reviews of individual care, and commendations from service users regarding staff treatment, the fundamental issues with record-keeping remain a priority for improvement. Ongoing Vigilance Across the Region
These detailed accounts from Broughty Ferry, Montrose, and Arbroath, alongside the SSSC decisions involving professionals in Auchterarder and Glenrothes, collectively paint a picture of an active regulatory environment. The Care Inspectorate and SSSC continue to publish numerous reports, covering a wide array of services including residential care, home support, and childcare, reflecting an unwavering commitment to upholding standards. Residents in Perth and Kinross can take some reassurance in the ongoing diligence of these regulatory bodies, which tirelessly work to ensure that all care providers in the region meet the necessary benchmarks for quality, safety, and respect for service users.
At the forefront of these revelations is a stark decision concerning an Auchterarder care professional. Craig Littlejohn, who worked with children and young people, has been permanently removed from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) register. This severe sanction followed his conviction for stealing a substantial sum of £8,000 from an individual entrusted to his care. The SSSC unequivocally condemned his actions, characterising them as a profound breach of ethical guidelines and professional integrity. The council’s decision noted that his behaviour demonstrated blatant dishonesty, a flagrant disregard for the fundamental rights and well-being of others, and raised grave concerns about his personal character and values. His removal from the professional register became effective on October 16, sending a clear message about accountability within the care sector.
Further afield, a social worker operating in Glenrothes also faced a formal warning from the SSSC due to an incident that occurred in 2024. Stephen McKenna was found to have behaved inappropriately towards a vulnerable service user who had become distressed and vocal due to a lack of support. During this challenging interaction, Mr. McKenna reportedly leaned over the woman, pointing at her face and admonishing her with aggressive language, including phrases such as, “It’s your f***ing fault, go back to your flat,” and, “The way you treated (redacted) yesterday was f***ing disgusting.” He is also understood to have issued threats concerning the potential loss of her accommodation and responded with offensive gestures after the service user had made similar signs. The SSSC deemed his conduct to display a complete lack of empathy and understanding regarding the complex challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, imposing a three-year warning on his record, which mandates disclosure to any current or future employers. Inspections Reveal Critical Lapses in Care Standards
Meanwhile, the Care Inspectorate, Scotland’s independent watchdog for health and social care, has released updated assessments for several facilities. Moyness Nursing Home in Broughty Ferry was urged to significantly enhance its approach to managing patient needs and concerns. An unannounced inspection revealed that residents who primarily remained in their rooms experienced insufficient social engagement. Furthermore, inspectors observed that patient requests, even those raised in regular meetings, often took several months to be addressed. Deficiencies in care planning were also identified, including a lack of detailed personal information in records, incorrect documentation of injuries, and the absence of proper weight monitoring. Concerns were also raised regarding the cleanliness of specific care equipment. A spokesperson for the home’s operator, BCG, expressed disappointment with the new gradings but affirmed that an immediate action plan was in place, developed in collaboration with the Care Inspectorate and the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, with a commitment to restoring high standards.
In Montrose, The Wee Childcare Company Ltd – Borrowfield Out-of-School Care Club (OOSC), which operates within Borrowfield Primary School, received a concerning report. The Care Inspectorate concluded that the safety and well-being of children attending the service were “not considered” adequately. Personal care plans were found to be implemented inconsistently, with significant variations in the level of detail regarding children’s health and additional support needs. Moreover, staff members reportedly lacked clarity on the correct procedures for administering specific medications. Despite positive relationships between staff and families, the consultation and feedback mechanisms were deemed “weak,” with a noted absence of recent efforts to gather parental opinions and limited opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The Real Life Options Angus Outreach service in Arbroath also fell short in its personal care plan documentation. Inspectors found that these crucial documents lacked sufficient detail, hindering the consistent and safe delivery of care. Many plans were incomplete, undated, and contained informational gaps. It was noted that staff often provided support without immediate access to these essential personal plans. One service user candidly shared, “I have never seen my care plan and I’m not sure if there even is one,” a sentiment echoed by a family member who stated, “I’ve never seen one for a long time.” While the inspection acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve discussions and reviews of individual care, and commendations from service users regarding staff treatment, the fundamental issues with record-keeping remain a priority for improvement. Ongoing Vigilance Across the Region
These detailed accounts from Broughty Ferry, Montrose, and Arbroath, alongside the SSSC decisions involving professionals in Auchterarder and Glenrothes, collectively paint a picture of an active regulatory environment. The Care Inspectorate and SSSC continue to publish numerous reports, covering a wide array of services including residential care, home support, and childcare, reflecting an unwavering commitment to upholding standards. Residents in Perth and Kinross can take some reassurance in the ongoing diligence of these regulatory bodies, which tirelessly work to ensure that all care providers in the region meet the necessary benchmarks for quality, safety, and respect for service users.