An Edinburgh woman has been removed from the social care register following her conviction for embezzling a substantial sum from vulnerable individuals. Margaret Burnett was struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) after she was found to have misappropriated £29,900 while managing the finances of five charity service users.
Burnett, who worked as a team leader for Leonard Cheshire Disability, was convicted in 2025. The SSSC, the sector’s regulator, confirmed her removal from the register, stating her fitness to practice as a social care worker had been impaired due to her actions. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny within various Scottish sectors, including the arts, as seen in royal engagements at Scottish cultural events.
The regulator’s report detailed that Burnett “abused the trust” placed in her by the five victims, her employer, and the public. The SSSC emphasised the seriousness of the conviction and the behaviour that led to it.
Your conviction and the behaviour leading to your conviction was extremely serious. You were convicted of embezzling £29,900 (or thereby) while overseeing the finances of five supported people during the course of a social services employment.
The report added that the behaviour occurred some years ago, but the conviction was recent.
Social service workers are expected to act truthfully, openly, honestly, and with trustworthiness. They are also tasked with recognising and responsibly using the power and authority inherent in their roles, without abusing the trust of service users for personal gain. The importance of trust in public roles is a recurring theme, echoing discussions around societal priorities and ethical considerations.
The SSSC report further clarified that Burnett’s actions amounted to “financial abuse of vulnerable people and a breach of the trust placed in you by AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, your employer and the public.” Such incidents underscore the need for vigilance in all community services, much like the community response witnessed during the recent fire on Dunbar High Street.
Burnett informed the SSSC that she had paid a sum of money, including compensation to her victims. She also stated that she does not intend to return to work in the social care sector.
The council concluded that the seriousness of the conviction meant that any repeat behaviour would place vulnerable people at significant risk of harm. Her conduct was deemed indicative of an underlying values or attitudinal issue, incompatible with continued registration in a trusted and caring profession. More information on professional standards can be found on the Scottish Social Services Council website. Details about the work of charities supporting vulnerable people can be found at Leonard Cheshire Disability.
