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New Deal boss to lose his job
BURNGREAVE New Deal for Communities' beleagured boss is being made redundant – just a fortnight after the publication of a highly-critical report about the regeneration body.
Chief executive John Clark refused a request to resign by Sheffield Council's new leader Coun Paul Scriven.
But Ronnie Lewin, chairman of BNDfC's board, said: "The position is currently included in redundancy negotiations, which will be finalised at the end of July."
Coun Scriven said Mr Clark should go for recommending the appointment of Bill Husband as his interim deputy, on a salary equivalent to 110,000-a-year.
This was despite Husband's dismissal 12 months previously for gross misconduct at a New Deal agency in London.
Mr Clark also authorised BNDfC's use of "motivational training" company JMJ Group – a company run by Husband and Jack Davies, former chief executive of the London agency, who resigned after also being found guilty of the same gross misconduct charge.
This was despite JMJ – which was paid 55,000 – not being on BNDfC's list of approved contractors.
Davies and Husband were chief executive and deputy chief executive at South Kilburn New Deal for Communities, where they were found guilty of gross misconduct for misuse of property, after living rent-free in a flat meant for use as offices.
A report by Sheffield Council's auditor found the appointment of Husband was "flawed".
Other failings identified at BNDfC included doubts over Husband's references – one of which was obtained from his own company – and failure to quiz him about the South Kilburn affair at his job interview. Not all of the interviewing panel were even made aware of it.
The report also slammed absence of management controls by BNDfC's board of directors, including lack of compulsory training about their responsibilities.
Coun Scriven - who is taking over as Sheffield Council's representative on BNDfC's board – said: "I'm glad that our calls have been listened to and the board has taken action.
"Hopefully, under new management we can now move on and address the weaknesses identified within the audit report.
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But he added he would ensure Mr Clark’s redundancy settlement would be scrutinised to ensure it was paid “in accordance with the council’s agreed formula”.
BNDfC has not revealed how much Mr Clark will receive, nor the date of his departure.
Coun Scriven had threatened to withhold BNDC’s future funding if Mr Clark did not go and issues identified in the report were not rectified.
Mr Lewin said Mr Clark’s departure was planned a year ago and unrelated to the audit report.
He added: “The board recognises the significant contribution John Clark has made in improving Burngreave, which include a major reduction of crime, improved education, a cleaner environment and a legacy for investment in the continuing regeneration of the area for the future.”
BNDfC was set up in 2001 after the then Lib Dem Council picked Burngreave to receive extra support.
The board was handed 55 million to spend over 10 years to cut crime, improve housing and health, and create new jobs.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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