Dan Peters 01 February 2023

Auditor calls for national changes after public interest report

Auditor calls for national changes after public interest report image
Image: Olivier Le Moal/Shutterstock.com.

External auditor Grant Thornton has called for national changes after cataloguing a ‘toxic’ culture and ‘dysfunctional environment’ at Cheshire East Council.

A report in the public interest discussed at a full council meeting today accused former Conservative leader Michael Jones of being ‘bullying and intimidatory’.

Current leader of the Conservative group, Janet Clowes, who was a member of the cabinet when Mr Jones was leader, had told auditors he could be ‘absolutely appalling’ to officers, with behaviour - including shouting, screaming and use of foul language - being ‘unpleasant and frightening’ at times.

Auditors said Mr Jones created a ‘culture of fear’ but said the ‘responsibility for not taking effective action in relation to the former leader largely fell on the former chief executive [Mike Suarez] and former chief operating officer [Peter Bates].

They added that ‘relatively inexperienced’ Mr Suarez ‘did not consistently or effectively push back’.

Cllr Clowes told the meeting that senior statutory officers failed to provide the ‘required support and protections’ to employees at the authority.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Teaching Assistant (or Communication Support Worker)

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £33366
About the role Together, we’re shaping children’s education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by providing children and young people with the best possible education. We a Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Base, New Marsto
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistFixed Term, Full Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

EHCP Casework Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£44711 - £47754
About the Role We’ve transformed the way we help our communities to get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. As part of this, we continue to invest in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), with the growth of Samuelson House
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Technical Account Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£41,511- £45,718
Do you have experience in building surveying, project management or property management? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner