Dundee & Angus College’s treatment of former period dignity officer Jason Grant has been heavily criticised in a damning new internal report.
An investigation by the organisation found management failed to follow proper procedures when axing the flagship role in September last year.
It comes after the youth worker’s appointment sparked furious debate centring on whether the job was appropriate for a man.
Mr Grant is suing the college and its partners, alleging he was discriminated against due to his sex, but the separate internal grievance has now come to a conclusion.
It’s understood he has now tendered his resignation after the outcome.
D&A College has said in response to the findings that the situation was “unprecedented and complex” and it will await the legal proceedings concluding before commenting further.
What does the decision say?
The papers, seen by The Courier, reveal the former personal trainer was deliberately excluded from key meetings leading up to the decision.
The announcement regarding his role was also made public before Mr Grant himself had even received anything in writing, the report found.
The grievance, lodged several months ago, was handled by various board members of D&A College.
The board members from his appeal found many of the numerous claims made by the 36-year-old, who claims his treatment was unjust, to be proven.
His lawyer, Ryan Russell, of MML Legal, said it would be inappropriate to comment on the findings due to the live employment tribunal case.
He added: “I can only confirm that Mr Grant has resigned but will not be commenting any further due to the ongoing litigation”.
College prioritised press coverage
Some of the other grievances found proven were that the college prioritised press communications above communicating with Mr Grant directly in relation to axing his role.
Another outcome of the grievance process is that the college do not accept his removal from the period dignity role was anything at all to do with him being a man.
One of the key issues his tribunal claim will look at is whether his sex was anything to do with his removal.
The organisation also didn’t follow correct procedures when bosses attempted to subtly demote Mr Grant back to his previous role as student wellbeing officer, a position which no longer existed.
The former tobacco salesman was still employed at the college but had been off work with stress ever since the media storm over his appointment erupted.
He has now officially resigned, breaking all ties with the college.
D&A College confirmed it has received the outcome of the grievance.
A spokesperson said: “Our policy is that we do not comment on any individual staff matters but what we can say is that the circumstances in this case were unprecedented and complex.
“As with all grievances, we will consider the findings carefully and thoroughly. With legal matters ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Plan to increase awareness of free period products
The role would have seen Mr Grant lead a communication strategy raising awareness of availability of period products in places such as schools and colleges.
Many believed the £33,000 a year job should have gone to a woman.
This led the working group which hired him — made up of figures from councils in Dundee and Angus, as well as Perth College and D&A College — to come under intense public criticism.
Others did however argue all jobs should simply be filled by the best candidate, regardless of gender.
Within days the group publicly axed the role, leaving Mr Grant in disbelief.
The Tayport resident’s sex discrimination employment tribunal case is still at the preliminary stage but could result in a hearing lasting several weeks.
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