An investigation into alleged bullying and harassment found ‘substantial evidence’ to support some claims made against two senior Thanet DC officers, it has emerged.
In May, Thanet’s head of operational services, Trevor Kennett [TK], alleged harassment, bullying, intimidation, victimisation and humiliation by chief executive, Madeline Homer [MH], and director of operations, Gavin Waite [GW].
The MJ has seen an unpublished report to Thanet’s human resources department, written by an external investigator who assessed the grievance claims.
Senior consultant David Westell, who submitted his report in July, found ‘substantial evidence’ to support some allegations against Ms Homer and Mr Waite.
On Ms Homer, Mr Westell wrote: ‘Substantial evidence suggests that MH is perceived as volatile, that she does not treat some employees with respect, and has used her position and her communication style to create an intimidating and hostile environment.
‘There is substantial evidence that MH has used intimidating behaviour and has misused her position of authority through means that undermine, humiliate and denigrate TK and others.’
On Mr Waite, the report continued: ‘There is substantial evidence that GW acted in a bullying manner towards TK and others.’
Ms Homer and Mr Waite strongly deny the allegations.
The council chose not take disciplinary action against the pair and instead opted to keep the issues under review.
A council spokeswoman said: ‘The grievance complaint was dealt with by the council’s monitoring officer.
'Given the seniority of those involved, the monitoring officer’s draft report on the outcome of the grievance and his draft recommendations were reviewed by external employment solicitors to provide an independent check - in order to ensure that his report and recommendations were both fair and objective.
‘The council’s grievance policies include a right of appeal, but that was not ultimately pursued.
'The grievance complaint has now been brought to a conclusion and all the recommendations have been implemented.’