Landlord silent on fate of chief executive still suspended on full pay
North Lincolnshire’s bullying probe stalls
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An investigation into claims of bullying and harassment at a Lincolnshire housing association has stalled, eight months after its chief executive was suspended on full pay.
North Lincolnshire Homes suspended £100,000-a-year Jane Duncan on 29 June 2009 after current members of staff complained about her behaviour. A number of former employees had also written allegations about concerns aired in exit interviews not being dealt with.
The organisation confirmed Ms Duncan is still suspended but refused to say whether she was still receiving her full salary. The complaints stretch back to 2006, when the organisation took over 10,000 homes from North Lincolnshire Council.
Ms Duncan is said to have gone on sick leave shortly after her suspension and has not taken part in a probe by unnamed external investigators.
It is understood that a board meeting this week could decide on a settlement with Duncan that could end the investigation, but an NLH spokesperson would not confirm or deny whether this was the case.
Linda Muir, regional organiser for union Unison, said: ‘We are now concerned that, after eight months, moves may be in place for the board to reach a financial settlement with the chief executive which allows her to walk away without any investigation or potential redress and leaves those staff who have made complaints high and dry.’
Jo Sugden, head of human resources at NLH, said the suspension should not be seen as an admission of fault regarding Ms Duncan. ‘An independent company has been carrying out the investigation and has concluded it as far as is possible in line with our procedures, but cannot fully complete it until Ms Duncan is available.’
Andy Orrey, deputy chief executive and finance director for NLH, is filling Ms Duncan’s position. Inside Housing was unable to contact Ms Duncan.
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Readers' comments (4)
Melvin Bone | 26/02/2010 9:37 am
It is unfortunate that Ms Duncan is off sick when she is required to answer questions about her alleged behaviour...
I expect a resignation and a pay off is looming.
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Anon | 26/02/2010 3:25 pm
I do not think a lowly Housing Officer would get a pay off so hopefully it won't be a different rule for a Chief Exec. There should be a clause in a contract that only allows full pay whilst on suspension only when that person co-operates with the enquiry
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Peter | 26/02/2010 5:37 pm
Being off sick for eight months, isn't there a capability issue here? Shouldn't an Occupational Health assessment being carried out on this officer by NLH? What is NLH is waiting for?
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Debs | 22/03/2010 9:48 am
Dont believe everything you hear/read. One of the complainants was the biggest bully at NLH.
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