A BORDERS care home manager who used fraudulent qualification certificates has been struck off the watchdog’s register.

Alison Grant, whose town of employment is listed as Melrose, was found to have acted dishonestly by a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) panel.

The watchdog said it found that dates, names and levels of certificates she held had been altered.

Grant maintained that she had gained the qualifications but had sent the wrong documents.

But the panel said her “level of dishonesty” was severe enough to be considered at the “most serious end of the scale”.

An SSSC spokesperson said: “Service users, their families and employees expect that those in senior positions are qualified and trained to the correct standard. While no harm appears to have been caused by your behaviour, there was a risk of harm as you were employed in a position and registered by the SSSC when you did not have the correct qualifications.

“Your behaviour was serious dishonesty. You took positive steps to alter, or allow someone to alter on your behalf, certificates belonging to other registered workers as well as a certificate you had correctly obtained, in order to pass off to the SSSC that you had completed those qualifications and were appropriately qualified and trained for the position you held.

“When the fraud was discovered, you continued to maintain that you had gained the qualifications but had inadvertently sent the incorrect certificates, when you knew this not to be the case. The level of dishonesty is severe enough to be considered at the most serious end of the scale and calls into question your core values.”

They added: “Overall, your behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration. It falls below the standards expected of a registered social service worker. Social service workers are expected to meet relevant standards of practice and be honest and trustworthy. You did not meet the relevant standards of practice.

“You have apologised to the SSSC and explained that these certificates were sent in error. However, you have provided no explanation how these certificates were changed and there is therefore no evidence that you have fully understood the gravity of your behaviour.

“Accordingly, you have not shown any meaningful insight and we consider there is an increased risk that the behaviour will be repeated. In terms of public protection, there is a risk to the public if your behaviour was to occur again. All things considered, the public would be concerned about you remaining in the sector and the public would expect the SSSC to take action to ensure that the relevant professional standards are being upheld.”

Grant was removed from the SSSC register, with the notice coming into effect on Thursday (November 16).