NOEL BOYD FROM STIRLING REMOVED FROM SOCIAL CARE REGISTER AFTER INDECENT COMMUNICATIONS OFFENCE

A support worker based in Stirling has been officially removed from the social care register following a serious criminal offence involving indecent communications. Noel Boyd, who was employed as a support practitioner by The Richmond Fellowship, engaged in inappropriate and troubling behavior over a three-day period from November 27 to November 29, 2023. During this time, he attempted to initiate indecent communication with an individual he believed to be a child under the age of 13.

According to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), evidence collected during the investigation revealed that Boyd had sent sexual messages to an undercover police officer, who he thought was a young girl. The messages included explicit content, and he repeatedly asked for images not only from her but also from her school friends. This conduct was deemed highly inappropriate and dangerous, raising serious concerns about his suitability to work with vulnerable populations.

Boyd was formally convicted on August 27, 2024, at Stirling Sheriff Court of an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2009, specifically section 24(1). Despite the conviction, Boyd failed to disclose this criminal charge to the SSSC, which is a breach of professional conduct and transparency requirements. The Scottish Social Services Council determined that his actions were incompatible with maintaining his registration as a social care worker and consequently removed him from the social care register.

The report issued by the SSSC highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that a conviction of this nature raises significant questions about Boyd’s fitness to continue working in social services. It pointed out the potential risks to public safety and the reputation of the social care profession. Furthermore, the council expressed concern over Boyd’s apparent disregard for the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals, stating, “Your behaviour risked causing emotional and psychological harm to your victim. Your behaviour displays a disregard for the wellbeing of vulnerable people and raises serious concerns over your suitability to work with vulnerable individuals who use social services.”

The Richmond Fellowship has been contacted for a statement regarding the incident and the subsequent actions taken against Boyd. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations and maintaining strict professional standards within social care services.