Three cheers for the new heads at County Hall. Following on from the suspension of the senior council officers in February, we’ve just heard from the council that disciplinary proceedings will be taken against two of the officers who are currently suspended – the Director of Regeneration and Development (Derek Rowell) and the Director of Policy, Performance and Partnerships (We’re struggling to find out who this is – possibly a new name – or the Deputy Chief Executive as he’s better known, John Lawson).
It doesn’t just stop there
The committee has also decided that there is a disciplinary case to answer against the Director of Finance (Paul Wilkinson). Owing to the nature of his post, this will be heard by a Designated Independent Person who will then advise the committee on what action, if any, to take.
Wow. These are the three council officers that were originally suspended, when Joe Duckworth’s report to the council stated
previous administration acted either in ignorance or disregard of rules and regulations in relation to its procurement of consultancy services. Its appointment of High Point Rendel was also unlawful.
