The principal of Scotland’s third-largest college has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry.
Adam Smith College confirmed Dr Craig Thomson had been suspended with immediate effect by the board of governors, who have now launched their own probe.
The move follows a number of serious allegations of bullying and harrassment, which has seen the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) called in to conduct an independent review.
The investigation centres on claims regarding the treatment of staff and alleged mismanagement on the part of Dr Thomson and other senior members of staff. It is also looking at the processes and procedures for dealing with complaints at all levels.
Despite saying he would not be ”hounded out” by the ongoing allegations, Dr Thomson volunteered to take a leave of absence at the end of February to allow the SFC to conduct its inquiry.
He had been expected to return to his post once it was complete, so news a separate disciplinary inquiry has now been launched just days before investigators are due to wrap up their probe was met with some surprise.
However, Dr Thomson’s suspension was welcomed by Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance, who said he hoped the college board would act on any recommendations made by the funding council.
”I look forward to the final report from the funding council and wait to see how the board of governers will implement the actions needed,” he said.
Dr Thomson has denied suggestions of wrongdoing amid claims a bullying culture has been allowed to develop at the college.
He has also rejected allegations that a report into the bullying claims had been buried.
However, at the start of last month the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) passed a motion of no confidence in the college management and the student association backed calls for the principal to resign.
An online petition in support of ”staff at Adam Smith College in their fight against a culture of bullying and harassment” was signed on behalf of students by association president Beneta Brown.
The petition, which attracted almost 600 signatures, also called on the Government to suspend the principal and vice-principal while investigations were carried out.
Earlier this month it emerged that the troubled college used thousands of pounds of its resources to support a private regatta. In-kind sponsorship was provided to the Anstruther Muster, organised by Anstruther Sailing Club of which Dr Thomson is a member.