The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has removed a social care worker from its register following findings that some allegations of sexualised behaviour towards female colleagues and dishonest sick-pay claims were proven.
Regulator rules misconduct proved
The SSSC disciplinary panel found that David Odigie, who worked for Inverclyde Council, had on occasion made sexually explicit remarks and engaged in unwanted touching of a female colleague identified in the report as BB. The conduct cited occurred in and around August 2024.
The panel also concluded Odigie had submitted nine false sick-pay claims between August 2023 and April 2024, at a time when he was also undertaking shifts for another local authority, Renfrewshire Council.
Details of allegations
The report describes a series of comments and physical contact which BB said she found increasingly uncomfortable. Examples set out in the SSSC record include remarks in which Odigie referred to BB's body and made sexualised suggestions in front of supported people. The report records other unwelcome touch and comments allegedly made during shifts.
“You smell lovely.”
Other allegations were reported by a second female colleague referred to as AA. Odigie denied the allegations and said his conduct was not sexually motivated; he also questioned why another member of staff would make accusations, the report notes.
- Alleged sexual comments and unwanted touching towards female colleague BB, chiefly in August 2024.
- Nine instances of falsely claimed sick pay between August 2023 and April 2024.
- Concurrent employment shifts with Renfrewshire Council while on sick leave from Inverclyde Council.
Local implications and safeguards
The SSSC’s decision to strike off a registered worker is aimed at protecting vulnerable people who rely on regulated care staff. For local teams and service users in Inverclyde, the outcome underlines the mechanisms in place to investigate staff conduct when concerns are raised.
In practical terms, councils and care providers routinely review staffing arrangements and reporting procedures after such findings. Those concerned about professional conduct in social care can raise complaints with employers, the SSSC or Social Work services; the regulator may then open fitness-to-practise proceedings.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Worker | David Odigie (from Greenock) |
| Regulator | Scottish Social Services Council |
| Findings | Some allegations of sexualised behaviour proved; nine false sick-pay claims proved |
| Period in question | Aug 2023–Apr 2024 (sick-pay claims); Aug 2024 (behaviour allegations) |
The SSSC’s public record of the hearing provides a formal account of the evidence and the regulator’s reasoning. For service users and staff in Inverclyde, the case will be a reminder of the importance of reporting concerns without delay so they can be investigated under the established safeguarding and employment procedures.
The removal from the register means the individual can no longer legally work in a registered social service role in Scotland while struck off.
