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

Assistant Director Planning (Chief Planning Officer)

Mansfield District Council
up to £72,011 (pay award pending)
We are seeking an experienced chief planning officer. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Service Director – People & Culture

Cambridgeshire County Council
Up to £115k
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live. Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Cambridgeshire County Council

Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership
£108,657 - £134,787 pa
Are you a visionary finance leader ready to make a lasting impact? Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership

Team Leader, Short Breaks Service

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Resourcing and Workforce Planning Officer

Durham County Council
£34,314 to £37,938 p.a. (Grade 9) Pay award pending
Are you passionate about recruitment, talent management, and workforce planning? Do you thrive on supporting managers, improving processes, and deliv Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner