Interest In Supplementing My Income And Gaining New Skills
In order to supplement my social care expertise, income and gain new skills, I pursued alternative business interests. This included being appointed a director of a limited company operating in a completely different field. Unfortunately, the timing of this business decision by me coincided with the explosion and complete devastation by the Covid-19 Pandemic ('C19') on the country, the world and the marketspace.
Intention Of The Secretary Of State To Disqualify Me
Attributable to the impact of C19, the company in which I was a director was placed into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation ('CVL'). This resulted in receiving notice from the Secretary of State ('SOS') that my conduct as a director was being investigated despite my limited involvement. This resulted in the SOS determining that my conduct was such that I should be disqualified for a period of 3 years.
This was a complete and utter body blow. On first glance, a Disqualification Ban for a period of 3 years does not appear to be too damaging. However, attributable to my role as a Senior Residential Social Worker often managing large teams and working with vulnerable children, any ban would have resulted in me no longer being able to work and potentially never working in the sector again. Working with the most vulnerable members of society requires a clean and sanction free record.
Instructing Gulshan At D & N Solicitors
I made internet enquiries and discussed matters with family, friends and contacts. It appeared that there was nothing that I could do and in order to save time and costs, I simply sign the Disqualification Undertaking. Had I done so, all that I had worked so hard to achieve would have been lost at a flick of a pen.
Whilst carrying out research, I came across Gulshan. Having once spoken to him, I no longer felt resigned as to my position. Gulshan went through the entire process with me to include what I could do in an attempt to convince the SOS to change their decision. This included:
- Preparing detailed submissions.
- Requesting and attending a meeting with the SOS.
Prior to instructing Gulshan, I had already communicated with the SOS to no avail. Therefore, I was reluctant to further communicate with the SOS never mind attend a meeting with them. However, Gulshan informed me of the value preparing detailed submissions and attending a meeting with the SOS could bring. I trusted Gulshan, and therefore agreed with his suggested way forward.
The Outcome – No Disqualification
I followed Gulshan's advice and strategy. This resulted in the SOS (walking back their previous steadfast position) agreeing to terminate their investigation and no longer seeking to disqualify me for a period of 3 years.
Relief For Me, My Family And Being Able To Get Back To What I Do Best
Attributable to the already lesser period of disqualification being sought against me (3 years) and being informed the least period that I could be banned for was 2 years, I was not overly positive of the potential outcome that could be achieved. At best, what I wanted to do with Gulshan was provide my version of events and be heard by the SOS.
However, with Gulshan's assistance, I achieved the best possible outcome for me, my family and most importantly, being able to continue working with vulnerable children. Had I been disqualified, I would have lost my job, my reputation and the ability to provide for my family.
Gulshan, I cannot say thank from me and my family enough.
