Issue - meetings

The Chairman explained the process which had been followed on receipt of the Report.  He also commented on the extensive assistance and cooperation which the Council had given to the Designated Independent Person (DIP) throughout the process of the Report being prepared which, in turn, had resulted in the timely conclusion of the DIP’s investigation.  He expressed the view that the Sub-Committee had approached the task given to it with zeal and vigour.

He explained that, where there may have been misconduct in this matter on the part of staff other than the previously named senior officers, the Sub-Committee could refer such issues to the Chief Executive to deal with, under the Council’s Disciplinary Procedure.  Where any issues related to elected Members, the Sub-Committee could either seek to discuss these with them directly or refer them to the Leader of the Council or to the Leaders of their political groups for appropriate action to be taken.

The Chairman explained the reasoning behind the membership and composition of the Sub-Committee.

The Chairman went on to explain the reasons for the necessary restrictions on distribution of the DIP’s report, and the need for its contents to be divulged to (and discussed between) only those who the DIP had identified as legitimate recipients of the Report, in order for the matter to be properly progressed.

Councillor Edwards indicated that the information provided by the Chairman on the process had been helpful and clear.

The Chief Executive also outlined the restrictions which applied to the availability and distribution of the Report.  He explained that, as two of the three senior officers named in the report of the DIP had resigned they no longer fell within the framework of the process now being followed, except that the evidence which they had presented as part of the DIP investigation could still be called upon in connection with others named in the report, and that they could be asked by the Sub-Committee to be witnesses in later proceedings.

Councillor Edwards then left the meeting, following which the findings and recommendations set out in the Report of the DIP, and the consequent need for action in respect of the individuals named in the Report, were discussed in detail.

Consideration was given to correspondence received from solicitors acting on behalf of a named senior officer, as requested by those solicitors, and to the options which were available to the Sub-Committee in respect of that individual.  Following all these considerations, it was unanimously

RESOLVED:

(1)         That the Sub-Committee was minded to suspend from work the named senior officer and that a hearing would take place at 2.00pm on Tuesday 8 January 2012 at Macclesfield Town Hall in order for that individual to respond to this proposed course of action, before a final decision would be taken on the suspension.

(2)         That a disciplinary hearing of matters relating to the actions of this officer would take place at 10.00 am on 23 and 24 January 2013.

(3)         That all other officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18