Baby Aaron case worker on full pay

THE social worker who failed to act in the case of murdered baby will be on full pay while her future is decided.

Social worker Eleni Cordingley was struck off the Register of Social Workers after she admitted misconduct before a Care Council for Wales conduct committee hearing.

Mrs Cordingley admitted misconduct at the hearing in Cardiff, where she was judged to have shown "extremely poor judgement" in the case of the13-month-old.

Aaron Gilbert (pictured) died in May 2005 after being beaten by his mother's partner, Andrew Lloyd. Aaron suffered a significant brain injury and almost 50 external injuries.

While the CCW committee decided that Mrs Cordingley should be struck off, an internal disciplinary investigation undertaken by Swansea Council concluded in October 2007, that she should receive further training and supervision. However, at no point between Aaron's death and the conclusion of the CCW hearing was Mrs Cordingley suspended.

She has now been suspended on full pay.

A council spokesman said: "The council did take disciplinary action against the social worker. While it would not be appropriate to comment on internal disciplinary matters in detail, an independent expert was asked to look into the matter."

The Post has asked for a copy of the internal report to be released, but the request has yet to be answered by the council.

Following the CCW's report this week, the Post asked Swansea Council why Mrs Cordingley was not suspended following Aaron's death.

A council spokesman said: "The council's disciplinary panel held in October 2007 considered the evidence of the independent expert and took what was considered the most appropriate action. this included a disciplinary sanction against the social worker, and further training and supervision.

"She was suspended by the council on full pay following the CCW decision. We will be looking at the evidence and outcome of the CCW hearing, and considering what further actions are necessary."

He also confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken against any other member of staff."

A spokesman for the CCW said the body could also have suspended Mrs Cordingley ahead of the hearing, but decided not to, based on information provided by Swansea Council.

He said: "At the beginning of the time when a case is considered, it is possible to impose an interim suspension order.

"In this case, because of assurances given to us by the employer about the level of measures being put in place, the panel considering things at that early stage decided an interim suspension order was not something that should be put in place."