An executive director of Adam Smith College who was suspended and then dismissed last year amid allegations of bullying and harassment has still not returned to her desk despite being reinstated and eligible to return to the Fife college more than a week ago.
Christine Sinclair was suspended in March 2012 as part of a college-wide investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment. The then principal Dr Craig Thomson and his wife and executive director Linda Thomson were also suspended.
Mr Thomson subsequently resigned and Linda Thomson was dismissed. It is understood she had until a week past Friday to appeal her dismissal.
In a document seen by The Courier, the internal disciplinary investigation into Ms Sinclair found that the allegations were substantiated and that they amounted to gross misconduct.
As a result, she was dismissed.
In line with the college’s procedures, Ms Sinclair appealed her dismissal and an appeal panel, comprising three board members, considered a fortnight ago.
A document, seen by The Courier, confirms that the sanction was reduced from gross misconduct/dismissal to reinstatement and a final written warning.
Ms Sinclair was due to return to work at the college on Monday last week. However, the college confirmed yesterday she had still not returned.
It is understood the news of her reinstatement has been received negatively by staff and local trades unions, who have been briefed by Martin McGuire, interim principal. Subsequently, it’s understood the unions have written to express no confidence in the appeals process. It is understood a number of meetings have been held over the past fortnight.
It is understood Mr McGuire has been actively trying to find a solution, balancing the impact of Ms Sinclair’s return on her personal and professional interests and the interests of the college.
The college has not confirmed details of the case for reasons of confidentiality and said yesterday it had no further comment to make at this time.
However, Mr McGuire confirmed last week that EIS and Unison had formally raised concerns on behalf of staff. He said in a statement: “Since I joined the college in October 2012, I have received outstanding support from staff and the trade unions. I have sought to work in partnership with them to help create an environment where staff feel valued and enjoy coming to work, and, I believe, we are making good progress towards this.
“Local branch representatives of EIS and Unison formally raised concerns with me about a perceived risk to staff. I want to reassure both staff and the trade unions that it is my duty as interim principal to create a safe working environment for all. I will continue to work vigorously with all partners to ensure this is the case and would like to make it clear that bullying and harassment, in any form, will not be tolerated at the college.”
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance said: “The recent decision by a few board members has resulted in a large number of college staff contacting my office once again in disbelief that an outcome such as this could have been reached. Many are stunned and distressed.
“The decision by some board members has undermined all the good work previously and currently being done by the principal and his colleagues to create a safe, enjoyable and productive working environment.”
An EIS spokesman said: “The EIS does not comment on any individual cases, including any relating to internal grievance or disciplinary matters.
“Adam Smith College, in common with all educational establishments and other employers, is duty bound to provide an environment where all employees can be safe and secure in their workplace.”
The Courier has made repeated attempts to contact Mrs Sinclair but she has not commented.