Scotland’s third largest college has confirmed that its principal has decided to temporarily ”stand aside” while a probe into potentially serious allegations of bullying is carried out.
Amid continued pressure from some quarters, Dr Craig Thomson, principal of Adam Smith College in Fife, has volunteered to take a leave of absence while the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) conducts an independent review of claims regarding the treatment of staff and related issues.
Dr Thomson is expected to return to his post once the SFC investigation which is also looking at the processes and procedures for dealing with complaints at all levels is completed, likely to be in around a fortnight.
Dr Thomson has rejected suggestions of wrongdoing amid claims a bullying culture has been allowed to develop at the Fife college and claims a report into such allegations had been ”buried”.
A website and online petition calling for Dr Thomson and senior college figures to be suspended has been set up in recent weeks, while some staff and unions have called for him to stand down.
Commenting on the latest development, Adam Smith College board chairman Mark Goldsmith said he believed it is of ”vital importance” that the college is able to move on from what has been a ”trying and difficult” period.
”There are many critical agendas facing the college sector in Scotland and at Adam Smith,” he said. ”In common with colleges throughout Scotland, we need to be able to focus on these issues without the daily distractions of recent days.
”The board is grateful to Craig for his gesture in offering to stand aside while the funding council review takes place. Craig will return at the conclusion of the review in around two weeks’ time to resume his normal duties, and to resume his leadership of the college.
”The board expects that the outcome of this review will allow the college to draw these matters to a conclusion for the benefit of staff and students.”
Dr Thomson also released a short statement which confirmed his decision to take some time off while the probe continues.
He said: ”The college sector is entering a period of rapid and unprecedented change. It is vital the funding council is allowed to proceed without any suggestion of direction from me and I have therefore offered to take leave for the duration of the review.”
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance suggested the statement issued by the college had been ”very diplomatic” and said he had met Education Secretary Mike Russell to discuss the issue.
”I feel it is the right decision that Craig Thomson is not there while the SFC go through their investigative procedures because not only have the staff called for him to be suspended, the EIS called for it and the students think he should not have any part to play while this goes on,” Mr Torrance said.
”For fairness and an open and transparent investigation, it is good that Mr Thomson will not be there. I hope this will help bring a swift conclusion to this matter and the SFC’s recommendations will be quick.”