Council's "two chief executives" mystery

by LESTER CROSS

A brief article in a local government 'trade' magazine has provoked speculation over the status of Scottish Borders Council's departing chief executive although a number of elected councillors claim they are completely in the dark and have not been told about the latest developments.

Although it was announced in June that the current head of service Netta Meadows would be leaving her £130,000-a-year post in September after just 18 months in the job, a council statement made it clear she would be continuing in the role during a three-month notice period.

The announcement from SBC took many by surprise. But, according to Councillor Euan Jardine, the Conservative member who was chosen to be council leader following May's local government elections: "We wish Netta all the best in her future venture, and until her departure in September, I am very much looking forward to continuing to work closely with her and her senior leadership team.”

But the article on the website of the respected Municipal Journal claims Ms Meadows is in fact believed to be on gardening leave while she serves her notice.

And the news story goes much further than that.

It says: "A council chief executive who announced she would be stepping down after just 18 months in the role is understood to have submitted a grievance.

"Well-placed sources have said the council has turned down a request for an independent investigation into her grievance.

"A hearing to discuss the grievance has been scheduled for Thursday 8 September – the day before Ms Meadows is due to leave."

The journal adds that a council spokesperson said Ms Meadows was still employed as chief executive but declined to comment on whether any grievance had been submitted or whether she was working as normal. The article ends by stating "The subject of the grievance is not known."

At the same time it is confirmed that David Robertson, SBC's Chief Financial Officer is currently Acting Chief Executive although there has been no formal announcement concerning that appointment.

It is not clear when Mr Robertson took over the chief executive function. But a document dated July 27th and titled update from SLT (Senior Leadership Team) is signed off 'David Robertson, Acting Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Council'.

The same designation is used on a number of reports which will be considered by councillors at a full meeting of the local authority this coming Thursday.

But it is apparent that some of those elected members are unhappy not to have been made aware of the full facts surrounding the resignation of Ms Meadows.

One of those told us: "The situation has existed for weeks yet it seems those at the top are determined to keep many of us out of the loop using 'legal reasons' as an excuse. How can that be right when we are all elected to represent the Borders public. After all, it is public money which pays the salaries of our officers".

Another source commented: "The Municipal Journal appears to have been told that Netta Meadows remains chief executive for now. But at the same time Borders Council has an acting chief executive. So, which is it?"