Dudley children's services boss 'made sexual comments', tribunal hears
A children's services boss made a series of lewd sexual comments in front of social workers, a tribunal heard.
Adrian Whitehorn allegedly made the remarks while working as an assistant team manager for Dudley children's services in December 2015.
Colleagues are said to have overheard Whitehorn making innuendos and referencing Chinese slang relating to sex workers.
He denies the charges but admits using one lewd remark in the presence of two colleagues.
Ofsted inspectors found 'serious and widespread failures' during an inspection of Dudley children's services last year and were not satisfied vulnerable children were being 'effectively protected'.
But the council is since said to have made a 'significant improvement', according to an Ofsted report published in July.
Whitehorn may be barred from the profession if he is found guilty of making inappropriate comments at the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service.
Claire Hasty, for the HCPC, said: "The registrant was employed at the time for Dudley Children's Services.
"His role was an assistant team manager.
"The allegations relate to comments that were made by Mr Whitehorn.
"It is the HCPC's case that on December 30 during a supervision session he made the comments that have been set out.
"The individual concerned – Colleague A – was a newly qualified social worker.
"She has provided a witness statement setting out a detailed account.
"You will have read that statement but you will hear from her in person.
"It is the HCPC's case that the day after – December 31– that Mr Whitehorn made a further comment.
"This time it was heard by two individuals, two social workers
"They have also provided witness statements."
Ms Hasty said his comments were 'inappropriate' and 'unprofessional' and amounted to misconduct.
Whitehorn is present and represented at the disciplinary hearing in Kennington, south London.
The hearing continues.
